November 22, 2012 -
RICHLAND, Wash. - Now that the giving season has started, the Red Cross is asking for your help.
Thanksgiving morning, dozens of people donated blood at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Richland.
In exchange for blood donations, workers said thanks with a free T-shirt and a pumpkin pie.
Organizers say during the holidays people are busy, so the Red Cross's need for blood always increases.
"It doesn't take that long," said Athena Brierley, a repeat blood donor from Kennewick, "it's like twenty minutes maybe, as soon as you actually get in the chair. It doesn't take long at all, you just have to make time for it. It doesn't hurt that bad, it's just like a pinch, but I think it does more good than it hurts."
The Richland Red Cross Blood Donation Center is generally open on Fridays, as well as most Mondays and Tuesdays. If you can be a donor, just call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment.