You can donate to help a Port O’Connor resident.

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center’s mobile unit will be at the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday, June 30, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. You are encouraged to participate and to designate your donation, if you so choose, to the account of Nancy Harborth of Port O’Connor.

Anyone 16 years old weighing 120 pounds (with a parental consent form), or at least 17 years old weighing 110 pounds, and in good general health can donate blood. It is recommended to eat iron rich foods before donating and to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. Donors must present identification.

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center encourages blood donors to donate every 56 days to help keep our blood supply adequate. During difficult times, like the upcoming summer months, regular blood donors are especially important.

A whole blood donor can donate up to six times per year. If every eligible donor donated at least twice per year, it would greatly strengthen our community blood supply.

To encourage community members to become regular donors, STBTC is offering a quarterly drawing of a stainless steel gas grill to all presenting donors before June 20. Every donation in 2011 also increases your chance to win a 2012 Toyota Tundra Truck. Donate at a mobile drive near you and help keep our blood supply adequate.

Visit www.southtexasblood.org for more information.