The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is kicking off November and the upcoming holiday season with its 10th Annual ‘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.

“Our holiday season wouldn’t be complete without ‘Puppies for Patients’ – a favorite annual tradition for our donors, supporters and community partners,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “By donating blood through the end of December, you will be giving the priceless gift of life as well as the simple joy of a plush puppy to put a smile on a child's face.”

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 sign up, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

Adds Grable, “Offering blood donors the opportunity to give a stuffed animal to a child in the hospital, in addition to saving lives through their donation, is a special gift for everyone. We urge the public to donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local patients, many of whom are children.”

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 and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.