http://www.pe.com/localnews/desertpass/stories/PE_NEWS_ndblood12.57eb8.html
Blood drive planned for Valentine's Day
BANNING: This year, you can really give a gift from the heart.

02/12/2003

By STEVE FETBRANDT
THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE

BANNING - The Community Blood Bank and Sunset Auto Plaza will host a blood drive on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of Valentine's Day.

Jim Smith, the auto dealership's general manager, said he didn't realize how short existing supplies were until the shortage touched his own life recently.

"My mother was in the hospital this past December and needed to receive blood. I had recently donated blood at our inaugural blood drive," he said. "When I called the Community Blood Bank to see if I could give my blood to my mom, they said it was already gone and it had only been two weeks since I donated."

Pam Blauvelt of the Community Blood Bank in Rancho Mirage said an average week nets about 55 pints of blood, compared to 60 pints going out.

"One unit can help two to three people," she said. "We'd like to see a big turnout to insure that blood is available when needed."

The Farm House and Gramma's restaurants will provide snacks and cookies and Sunset Auto Plaza employees will wash donors' cars while they wait. Wait time can be reduced by scheduling an appointment by calling (866) 507-5433.

Smith said he hopes to sponsor blood drives at Sunset Auto Plaza, 4545 W. Ramsey St., three to four times a year.

"People can donate blood about every 56 days, so we encourage those who gave before to come on back and help again," he said. "If you really want to do something special this Valentine's Day, what could be better than helping to save a life by giving blood?"

Reach Steve Fetbrandt at (909) 849-9872 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it