Special to The Leader

 Those who make a blood donation with LifeShare from December 14 to 23 will be automatically entered to win a $500 gift card and can help food banks. In addition to the canned good LifeShare is donating for every blood donor at their centers this season, LifeShare will also make a $500 charitable contribution to the winning donor’s local food bank.

Low donor turnout in recent weeks has caused LifeShare officials to become concerned about the supply remaining stable through the month. Increased blood usage and donor’s holiday activities this time of year combine to create the potential for a blood supply emergency.

“We know it is a busy time for everyone, but the need for blood doesn’t go away. By offering the chance to win a $500 gift card to help with the holidays in addition to a charitable contribution, we are recognizing the giving spirit of each donor–making their donation go even further in the community,” says Tina Hooper, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers.

For more information and to find mobile blood drives and centers near you, call 800-256-4483 or go to www.lifeshare.org.

LifeShare Blood Centers regularly supplies blood components to 117 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.  LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.