For the 11th year in a row, the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC), with the help of local blood donors, will be bringing smiles to children in local hospitals during the holidays through its ‘Puppies for Patients’ program.

Donors who give blood during November and December will be able to sign a gift tag that will then be attached to a stuffed toy puppy and delivered by CBCC to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. Since 2005, CBCC has delivered thousands of stuffed toy puppies to children.

“’Puppies for Patients’ is a very special and long-standing tradition for our donors, supporters and community partners,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “Our blood donors are critical to our community blood supply. Providing them the opportunity to bring joy to children in the hospital during the holiday season, in addition to saving lives through their donation, is a special gift for everyone.”

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is the primary blood supplier to 27 hospitals in the region and relies on volunteer blood donors and local organizations to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. In fact, one local children’s hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more than 200 platelet units each month. Anyone in generally good health, at least 16 years of age, and who weighs at least 120 pounds is eligible to donate blood.

Businesses, churches, organizations and schools interested in hosting a blood drive can call Kim Jones 704-972-4727. Individuals interested in donating blood can do so at a community blood drive or at one of CBCC’s donor centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro or Hickory.

To make an appointment at any center or mobile drive, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is a non-profit community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to 27 regional hospitals, serving 19 North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. CBCC focuses exclusively on gathering red blood cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives here in the Carolinas. Every drop stays here, saving local lives. CBCC is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent blood centers providing more than 50% of the nation’s blood supply.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

Follow the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter, on Instagram https://instagram.com/cbccarolinas/ and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.