First Church of the Nazarene, Red Cross hosting blood drive today and Wednesday

American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive from 1 to 6:30 p.m. today and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Church of the Nazarene.

Theme will be “Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeves,” and donors will receive a special rocker-style T-shirt. They will also have an opportunity to win “Second Helping,” an authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum album.

The need for blood is especially high during the summer due to an increase in travel because of family vacations and school breaks, according to Debbie Cox, Red Cross donor recruitment representative. However, fewer than 8 percent of the healthy population able to donate blood actually do so.

Donors must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. In Kansas, donors may be 16 if they have a signed American Red Cross parental consent form. Those coming to give blood should bring a photo ID.

Those wishing to make an appointment to give blood may call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.