Vikings of Solvang will host a community blood drive from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 21 and 22, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall in response to the urgent need for donations of all blood types.
Blood drawing will be handled by professionals with Vitalant Blood Services, the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit organization, according to reports.
“The Vikings rely on the generous people in the Santa Ynez Valley for a successful blood drive,” said 2022 Viking chief Max Hanberg. “The free dinner is our way to thank you for your support — and for your donation of blood for those who need it.”
Blood supplies on the Central Coast have plummeted by 50% this summer, prompting Vitalant to declare an emergency shortage and ask for more blood, platelet and plasma donations.
Lisa André covers lifestyle and local news for Santa Ynez Valley News and Lompoc Record, editions of the Santa Maria Times.