Local News in Brief : Countywide : Blood Donors Needed to Prevent Shortage

Red Cross officials are appealing to county residents to help prevent an annual summer blood shortage by donating blood during one of several drives in mid-July.

“Regular donors are vacationing. High schools and colleges, which are a good source for collections, are off for the summer,” said Ernie Stockert, chairman of Donor Resources Development for the Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross.

“What’s more, the increase in travel and recreational activities often results in increased injuries requiring blood, further depleting the supply.”

Donors must be at least 17, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donations can be made:

* Wednesday at the Buena Park Elks Lodge, 7212 Melrose St., from 3 to 7:45 p.m. For appointments, donors should call (714) 522-2853

* Thursday at 24752 Toledo Way in El Toro. The drive is being held by the Lake Forest Master Homeowners and will last from 3 to 7:45 p.m. Donors can call (714) 586-0860 for an appointment.

* Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 23 Lake St. in Irvine, from 3 to 7:45 p.m. Donors can call (714) 786-9884 for appointments.

* Sunday at St. Joseph Church, 717 N. Bradford Ave. in Placentia, from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. For appointments to donate, call (714) 528-1487.

* Monday, July 18, at the Eastside Christian Church, 2505 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. in Fullerton, from 2:45 to 7:30 p.m. For appointments, call (714) 871-6814.

* Monday, July 18, and every Monday, at St. Jude Hospital, 101 E. Valencia Mesa Drive in Fullerton, from 2:30 to 7:15 p.m. For appointments, call (714) 835-5381, Ext. 450.

* Saturday, July 23, at the First Assembly of God Church, 404 W. Wilshire Ave. in Fullerton, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Those wishing to donate can call (714) 526-5544.