This December, non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, is calling on Star Wars fans across the region to make a blood donation in support of the new Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens movie being released Dec. 18.

All community members who make a blood donation from Dec. 7-20 will receive a customized Star Wars themed donor t-shirt, along with a chance to win one of five Star Wars themed gift baskets valued at $200 each that will be given away at the end of the promotion. Blood Assurance hopes to increase blood donations during December, which can often be a slower month due to holiday travels, sickness and winter weather.

The organization encourages the community to be a hero to a local patient in critical need of blood donations. Just one blood donation can save up to three lives, and more than 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply the 75 healthcare facilities where each donation is sent.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids – avoiding caffeine – and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

For questions about donating blood, please call 800-962-0628. For more information on Blood Assurance, donating blood or hosting a blood drive, please visit bloodassurance.org.

(Walker County Messenger)