Holiday Heroes Blood Drive

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Monday afternoon people at the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis were in the holiday spirit. No, they were not singing carols or wearing the most festive attire, but they were giving.

They gave something more precious than anything purchased in a store, they donated blood.

"We are encouraging everybody to come on down, do your Christmas shopping donate blood," said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. "Not only do you gives gifts to your loved ones and friends, but you will give the gift of life."

For the tenth year, the Fresno County Sheriff's Department and the Central California Blood Center are partnering up for their Holiday Heroes Blood Drive. Each year's theme is different and this year the theme was be a deer, give blood.

Federico Cardinas donates about three times a year. He has been donating since 1988 when his father became ill.

"He needed blood, so I started from there and thought this is a good idea to keep giving blood," said Cardinas.

The blood drive is also attracted first timers like Jordan Scott.

"I do not think that there is a greater gift that you can give somebody," said Scott. "Every donation of blood saves up to three lives, and what does it take, 15 minutes of your time."

Donating takes less than an hour and at the end, you get a T-shirt, but Mims said you get much more than just something you can hold in your hands or wear.

"Not only are you receiving a few gifts, but you are also receiving the thanks of the people in dire need of blood," said Mims.

The Holiday Heroes Blood Drive is going on until the 30th of December. To donate, you can head over to Sierra Vista Mall between 1 p.m. and 6.