Blood drive to feature outdoor-themed prizes

The Fall term is quickly approaching, but LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are reminding everyone there is still time to enjoy the outdoors.

LifeSouth will host a blood drive from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7 in which donors can win a pack of outdoor items.

Anyone who donates at the centers, located at 1221 NW 13th St. and 4039 Newberry Road, or at the bloodmobile in front of Century Tower will be entered into the raffle.

The bloodmobile will be on campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The centers will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

One winner will be chosen for the prize pack, which includes a tent, a kayak, a guided canoe trip, a Yeti cooler, folding chairs and more, said Laura Bialeck, the district community development coordinator for LifeSouth.

Mariem del Rio, a research coordinator for UF’s College of Medicine, said she decided to donate blood during her extra time between classes.

“Best of all, I got a free shirt,” del Rio said. “Of course that wasn’t why I wanted to donate, but it was the cherry on top.”

Donors must be healthy and at least 17 years old with a photo ID or 16 years old with parental permission. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.

“We’re hoping that people will come out and help us have enough blood to supply our local hospitals,” Bialeck said. “It’s a good thing because one donation can save up to three lives and you may be the lucky winner.”

A bloodmobile is parked on the North Lawn behind the Hub on Sept. 14, 2015.