Every holiday season, the need for blood goes up. And this year, that need is more pronounced than ever.

That's why the South Bend Medical Foundation is offering some tasty incentives, to urge you to donate.

Giving blood is a labor of love for Susan Roberts. She donates in honor of her husband but also for people she's never met.

"I think people need to do it to help other people," says Susan. "That's what the world's for: you need to help other people."

The South Bend Medical Foundation is low when it comes to blood donations. As the holidays approach, donations decrease as the need increases.

"This happening much earlier this year had cause for concern, and of course nationwide, you're seeing that blood volumes are down," says Kay Clark-Cox of the South Bend Medical Foundation.

Immediately following Thursday's mass shootings at Ft. Hood, officials there were urging people to donate blood to help those wounded. People came out in droves, and many had to be turned away.

Here in Michiana, officials say since we never know when large amounts of blood will be needed, it's always good to be prepared.

"We make three different products out of each unit that you give," says Kay. "We say that you're a hero. What other things can you do where you can save three lives?"

The shelf life for a unit of blood, believe it or not, is only about 42 days. The South Bend Medical Foundation is accepting all types, especially "O."

When it comes to donating after the flu or getting the vaccination, you should be fine to give blood if you feel fine.

"If you just got a flu shot, either type of flu shot, you may come in and give blood as long as you're not having any symptoms of any kind," says Kay.

To entice people to donate, starting Saturday the Medical Foundation is giving every donor a Thanksgiving turkey, and every week a chance to win a $500 visa card.

"In this time of economic downturn, coming in, saving a life, and walking away with your holiday dinner, would be a pretty good deal," says Kay.
"An hour out of my lifetime is not anything if I can help somebody live a lifetime and add to their life at all," says Susan. "If an hour of my time can help do that, that's great."

If you donate and decide you don't want the free turkey, the Medical Foundation will donate it to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.

For more information on times and locations, just click on the Big Red Bar.