TOPEKA, Kansas - Last year, 28,000 individuals in our area needed a blood transfusion. This year, the local needs for blood are expected to rise. Community Blood Center, the provider of blood services to local hospitals, will hold a blood drive Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 8 A.M. - 6 P.M. at Gifts from the Heart- Topeka in the Donor Room to help the local hospital patients in our area that depend on life-saving blood donations.

"When individuals normally think of essential community services, they think about the fire and police departments," said Dr. Jay Menitove, Executive Director and Medical Director with Community Blood Center. "However, because Community Blood Center is here to meet the needs of local patients, we would hope that individuals in our community would consider us to be just as essential."

Individuals in Topeka can help meet local needs by donating blood at the Community Blood Center drive on Tuesday. They will also able to register to win prizes, including gift certificates for flowers, jewelry and more. Each donor will take home a Valentine gift.

Stop by Community Blood Center, 800 SW Lane, Topeka, until 6 P.M. to donate!