Blood Assurance is holding a “Thanks for Giving” event at their Rome center, 168 Shorter Ave., in an effort to boost collections before the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Thursday they will be giving away one $50 Butterball coupon every hour to blood donors. The Butterball coupons can be redeemed for food products anywhere that sells groceries.

The Rome location will be open until 10 p.m. to accommodate more donors.

Officials said the days around Thanksgiving are a difficult time to collect for blood banks across the country. That, combined with an increase in travel, can lead to shortages in some areas. Blood Assurance is asking the community to please donate blood before the holiday to help prevent such a shortage.