Hosted by St. John Parish Department of Community Services, the event provides a critical opportunity to give blood by meeting its target of 15 units of blood and help those in need.

Donating blood can be a lifesaving act, ensuring that patients facing medical emergencies have access to safe and necessary blood supplies. The  St. John Parish Department of Community Services say donations are vital during the holiday season when blood donations typically decrease while patient needs might remain steady or increase.

On the website of one of its partners, The Blood Center, it said Type O positive blood and platelet donations are especially needed to help continue providing care for patients in the coming weeks due to increased patients use.