The San Diego Blood Bank is 1,400 pints from meeting its goal of collecting 3,500 pints at its blood drive in connection with this weekend’s Comic-Con convention, officials said Saturday.
The Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive continues through 6 p.m. Saturday, and will also be held from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Officials said more than 2,100 pints of blood have been collected so far.
All donors receive a limited-edition “Marvel Fantastic 4” T-shirt and other exclusive Comic-Con goodies while sizes and supplies last, SDBB officials said.
Described as the largest and longest-running event of its kind in San Diego, the blood drive is in its 49th year.
According to the SDBB, this year’s theme, “inspired by the upcoming `Fantastic 4′ movie release, invites Comic-Con attendees and the community to unleash their inner heroes and make a lifesaving impact.”
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.
SDBB said it will honor appointments firs,t but will also welcome walk-ins. All donors must present a photo identification card with their date of birth.
“Since 1977, the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive at Comic-Con has been an important part of the San Diego convention,” the SDBB said. “In its long history, more than 90,000 pints of blood have been donated by Comic-Con attendees, exhibitors, professionals, volunteers, and staff, potentially impacting more than 270,000 lives over the course of the last 48 years.”
The blood drive is taking place in Grand Hall A of the Grant Hyatt, 1 Market Place. More information is available at SanDiegoBloodBank.org/Comic-Con.
–City News Service
