WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Nonprofit Vitalant is shining a light on the urgent need for blood donors with a special solar eclipse-themed thank-you gift to all who answer the call. Donors who come to give March 3-16 will receive an email to claim free solar eclipse glasses and an exclusive T-shirt while supplies last ahead of the April event, plus, through March 31 all donors will be automatically entered to win one of four $5,000 gift cards in the Celestial Giveaway.

An adequate blood supply must be ready for patients every day before it’s needed. Spring storms can cause blood drive cancellations and keep donors from coming out. Eligible donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to give to ensure the blood supply is sufficient before the unexpected occurs.

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a reminder that blood donations are needed not just for emergencies, but for patients who have ongoing needs. The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease, affects the blood’s ability to clot and can cause excessive bleeding and pain.

Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825 or local 530-243-0160).

Wed. March 13

Yolo County Employees

Norton Hall

70 Cottonwood Street

Woodland, CA

9AM – 2PM

95695

Blood Drive Code: SMFG167

Mon. March 18

Winters Community

Community Hall

201 Railroad Ave.

Winters, CA

2PM – 5PM

95694

Blood Drive Code: SMFM164

Mon. March 25

Dixon Community

American Legion Hall

Veterans Memorial Hall

Dixon, CA

3PM – 6PM

95620

Blood Drive Code: SMFM014

Wed, March 27

Vitalant – Reed Ave.

Inside

3240 Reed Ave.

West Sacramento, CA

12PM – 3:15PM

95605

Blood Drive Code: SMFT151

Thurs. March 28

Woodland Community – Day 1

Elks Lodge

Community Room

500 Bush St.

Woodland, CA

1PM – 4PM

95695

Blood Drive Code: SMFM052

Fri. March 29

FBC Davis

Fellowship Hall

38141 Russell Blvd.

Davis, CA

12PM – 5PM

95616

Blood Drive Code: 3183882

Fri. March 29

Woodland Community – Day 2

Elks Lodge Community Room

500 Bush St.

Woodland, CA

1PM – 4:15PM

95695

Blood Drive Code: 95695