The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) announced today the expansion of their ‘Families for Life’ program in an effort to collect the additional platelets and O type red cells needed for local patients.

Now through Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, platelet donors who present to donate twice or O blood type whole blood donors who present to donate will have an opportunity to receive a free individual or family photo session and an 8x10 portrait. All donations must take place at one of CBCC’s four donor centers – Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia or Monroe.

Photo sessions will be provided by Fletcher & Fletcher Photography at the Charlotte donor center on Jan. 6 (Noon – 8:00 p.m.), and Jan. 8, 28 and 29 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Space is limited to 150 photo sessions and donation appointments are required. For more information, contact Theresa at tanzelone@cbcc.us or 704-972-4729.

“Each holiday season we experience a decrease in donations as we busy ourselves with friends, family and often cannot make the time to donate,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “The need for blood however continues throughout the holiday season and often increases especially for specialty products like platelets and O type red cells. We urge the public to help save local lives and sustain our community’s blood supply by donating platelets or blood.”