ROYAL CITY - The American Red Cross and upcoming Royal City blood drive coordinator John Klefbeck are suggesting you give special thanks during this month of Thanksgiving by donating blood.

"This is a time when blood donations typically decline and the need remains constant," Klefbeck said.

On Nov. 10, the American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive at the Seminary Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is located across the street from Red Rock Elementary School.

All eligible donors who have donated before or wish to donate blood for the first time are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling John Klefbeck at (509) 989-0700.

Many Americans will celebrate the Thanksgiving season by feasting on home-cooked meals and watching football games on TV, Klefbeck noted. Some will even get an early start on holiday shopping before the month is over.

"With all that is happening during the holiday season, it's easy to forget there is a constant need for blood," he said.

Blood products are routinely transfused to those with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and accident and trauma victims.

There is no substitute for blood, Klefbeck said. It must come from healthy volunteer donors. And, since it takes about 48 hours to test and process collected blood, it must be on the shelves before it is needed in order to help save lives.

Any healthy person age 18 (16 with signed parental consent) or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Valid identification is required.