Rockdale Citizen

Staff Photo: Erin Evans. Jean Cartledge of Covington gives blood at the American Legion, Post 77, in Conyers Monday afternoon. She is helped by Dorma Clarke with the American Red Cross.

CONYERS -- The Red Cross is asking residents this Christmas season to give the gift of life and donate blood at several blood drives scheduled this month to help metro Atlanta hospitals meet the demand for blood heading into the spring.

Rockdale Medical Center will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 in the East Tower classrooms.

All donors who give this month will be entered into a drawing for one of three pairs of round-trip tickets on Delta Air Lines as part of the American Red Cross's "Give Blood and Go" campaign.

Blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day due to holiday preparations and travel, but the need for blood remains constant. Officials with the American Red Cross urge people who are able to take the time to give the gift of life during the coming weeks and months.

For faster service, however, donors are encouraged to make appointments. Appointments can be set online at www.givelife.org for all local blood drives.

According to the Southern Region office of the American Red Cross, at least 1,200 people are needed to donate blood each weekday to adequately supply more than 130 hospitals throughout Georgia.

Eligible donors must be age 17 or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. Most blood donors can donate every 56 days and platelet donors every two weeks.

Another blood drive in Conyers is scheduled at the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 23. The BOC office is located at 958 Milstead Ave.

The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office will also hold a blood drive on the same day and time.

For more information, go to www.givebloodredcross.org or call 800-GIVE-LIFE.