Community Blood Center of the Carolinas – with the help of local blood donors – will bring smiles to children spending the holidays in local hospitals for the 13th year in row this November and December.

The 13th annual Puppies for Patients program runs Nov. 1-Dec. 31. All donors who give blood or platelets during this time will sign a gift tag that will then be attached to a stuffed toy puppy. CBCC will deliver the puppies to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. Since 2005, CBCC has delivered thousands of these stuffed toy puppies to children in an effort to brighten their holidays.

“The blood we collect every day of the year gives thousands of local patients the gifts of hope and life as they fight their battles with cancer, sickle cell disease and countless other illnesses,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “But these handwritten messages of love and kindness attached to our puppies directly connect our selfless donors with the brave boys and girls spending their holidays in the hospital. Those children count on our community’s support, and our donors consistently step up to provide it.”

CBCC is the local nonprofit blood center and the primary blood supplier to the region’s hospitals. It relies on local organizations to host blood drives and volunteer blood donors to 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 100 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 1-888-59BLOOD.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is the local nonprofit, community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to the region’s hospitals. CBCC collects blood and blood products from volunteer donors in the community to return to the community at the lowest possible cost consistent with the highest possible standards. CBCC is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent blood centers that provide more than 50 percent of the nation’s blood supply. For more information, visit http://www.cbcc.us/.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 1-888-59BLOOD.

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.