Donate Blood July 26, Get $5 Coupon for In-N-Out, City of Redlands Says

Healthy residents are invited to donate blood outside the Redlands Police Annex on July 26, and every donor will receive a $5 In-N-Out coupon, city officials said Thursday.

The blood drive is being organized by LifeStream and the City of Redlands.

"Blood donors must be at least 15 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health and free of illness or infections on the day of the donation," city officials said. "Donors who are 15 or 16 must have a signed LifeStream parental consent form. Donating blood takes about one hour and gives someone a lifetime."

Donors between the ages of 18 and 60 may also be screened as bone marrow donors, city officials said. Potential bone marrow donors must be willing to donate to any patient in need and meet health guidelines.

All donors will need to bring photo ID.

"Be sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation," city officials said. "It is also important to decrease the intake of caffeinated and sugary beverages prior to giving blood as they cause dehydration."

The blood drive is scheduled 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday July 26 at 30 Cajon St., on the northwest corner of Cajon and Vine.

"Appointments are recommended to keep the donor lines moving smoothly throughout the day," city officials said.

To schedule an appointment, please contact City of Redlands Volunteer Resources Coordinator Tabetha Wittenmyer at (909) 798-7540 or by email at twittenmyer@cityofredlands.org.

The In-N-Out coupon is worth $5 at the popular burger chain, Wittenmyer said.

Donors will also receive "Gift of Life" loyalty program points toward the LifeStream online store at www.LStream.org.

LifeStream, formerly the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, was founded as a private, nonprofit organization by the medical societies of San Bernardino and Riverside counties in 1951, city officials said.

The nonprofit serves more than 50 medical facilities in Southern California and must receive more than 500 donations daily in order to meet emergency and ongoing patient needs, city officials said.

For more information, contact LifeStream at 1-800-879-4484 or visit www.lstream.org.