Upcoming 7th Annual News Channel MLK Day of Service Blood Drive to help restock low supplies

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - News Channel 3-12, along with Vitalant, is aiming to boost critically low blood supplies during the upcoming MLK Day of Service Blood Drive.

The event is co-sponsored by News Channel 3-12 and Vitalant, and is set for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As always, the blood drive is scheduled at a time when blood supply levels typically fall to low levels due to a reduced amount of donations taking place during the holiday season.

"It's really important for people to donate blood in January," said Laura Kamada, Vitalant Senior Account Manager. "January is World Blood Donor Month and it's really important to have blood on the shelves. On top of that, people tend to get really exhausted after the holidays. They have holiday fatigue. People are getting sick. The weather's been kind of off, so then people don't donate as often, and we do see a decline of donors normally in January, so we really strongly encourage everyone to come out to donate blood if they're eligible to donate. 

Now in its seventh year, the blood drive will have a little bit of a different look than in previous years.

Unlike in the past when the drive took place at Vitalant blood centers, this year all of the collections will happen at Elks Lodge locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.

"This year, the Elks Lodge was so kind enough to help us out," said Kamada. "We are going to be having the drives at all three Elks Lodges, in SLO, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. They really wanted to help out their community." 

Vitalant points out that one donation of blood may save up to three lives, highlighting the impact donors have on the community.

"It's great to know that I can help out somebody who I have no idea who it's going to," said donor Beverly Yoshida. "A cool thing about Vitalant is they do keep you up to date on the status of your donation."

Anyone who is eligible to donate is encouraged to take part in the drive and all blood types are needed.

"They do everything to make you feel as comfortable as possible," said Yoshida. "The staff is amazing, very friendly, very comforting, and reassuring in filling you in with any questions along the whole process. They'll make sure that they explain what's going on."

To learn more about the 7th Annual News Channel MLK Day of Service Blood Drive, and to schedule an appointment, click here.