Fire Department's Annual Blood Drive 'A Fantastic Way to Pay It Forward'

The has sponsored at least a decade's worth of Red Cross blood drives, collecting 1,000 units of blood over the years.

And it's looking to add to that total. The department is seeking registrants for , scheduled for 1 to 7 p.m. Monday (May 7) at Apple Valley's .

"If you ever wanted to have a way to show your support for the Apple Valley Fire Department, giving blood would be a fantastic way to pay it forward," said coordinator Laura Basballe.

Basballe said providing for people in need of blood is just one more avenue the fire department uses to help the community. Thirty-five firefighters will help out with the drive in some capacity.

The drive has averaged about 100 donors per year and organizers are hoping to step that up this year with 115. Donors with Type O blood—the universal blood type—are especially in need, Basballe said, but the department welcomes all willing to donate.

"We always look forward to getting fantastic support from the community," Basballe said.

Appointments can be made online through the Red Cross website. People can make an appointment even on the day of the drive, Basballe said.

They'll also take walk-ins, but from 1 to 4 p.m., priority will be given to those who have made appointments, she said.

In addition to refreshments for donors, activities for kids will be available if parents want or need to bring them along.

"Without wonderful sponsors such as Apple Valley Fire Department, the Red Cross would not be able to collect the 1,000 units a day that are needed," Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative Mike Fries wrote in an email.

See 's full story and photo gallery from last year's drive . More information and updates are available on the event's Facebook page.

To make your appointment:

• Visit the Red Cross's make-an-appointment webpage here
• Search by city, zip code and/or date, and find the drive called Apple Valley Fire Department - Station #1
• On the righthand side, click on "Click here to schedule an appointment to donate"
• Log in or create your user name and complete your appointment registration.

With questions about the drive, call Terry in fire department administration at 952-953-2600.