Palm Desert Wants to Make Weekend Blood Drive Largest Ever

The following was submitted for publication by the City of Palm Desert:

The City of Palm Desert encourages everyone who is willing and able to give the gift of life to visit Westfield Palm Desert on Saturday, July 20, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., for a blood drive that will showcase our City’s community spirit.

The blood drive, which organizers are hoping will be the largest and most successful event of its kind in City history, is Palm Desert’s chance to shine in the Coachella Valley Blood Drive Challenge.

Taking place between July 9 and August 1, the inaugural Coachella Valley Blood Drive Challenge aims to inspire residents in all of the Valley’s nine cities with a healthy sense of competition to see which community can donate the most blood at a single day’s event. The goal is more than 100 pints of donated blood.

The many rewards for participating donors on Saturday reflect the importance of this blood drive as well as its unusually large scale. Donor giveaways, while supplies last, include a free ticket to Knott’s Soak City, a 16-ounce smoothie from Jamba Juice, a meal from O’s Kitchen, and a chocolate gift bag from Marina’s Carmel Apples and Chocolates, as well as other treats contributed by Westfield merchants. All blood donors also receive a free cholesterol screening.

Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. Donors under age 18 must provide written parental consent. All donors are asked to bring a picture I.D., eat a meal, and drink plenty of water prior to donating.

The blood drive will be located in the lower level of the mall, located at 72840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, across from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. For more information, please call 760-777-8844.