Paws and Pints was held Thursday at the Black River Coliseum to encourage residents to give the gift of life.
According to American Red Cross account manager Jerrica Fox, 1,000 pints of blood were canceled in recent weeks due to the winter weather.
“In the winter months, we will take any blood types and we encourage you to come out and donate, but type O donors are in urgent need because of the shortage already,” said Fox.
She went on to explain that when schools and universities are out due to weather, it negatively impacts the number of donors they see.
“Universities, high schools, middle schools — those are a huge percentage of our donations, so in the summer and winter when they’re out, we suffer.
“Every person that takes the time to donate blood has the potential to save three lives,” said Fox.
Davine Conover, Ozark Federal Credit Union business development specialist, along with her Yorkie Zoe attended the event. OFCU partnered with the Red Cross and River Radio to host this event.
Zoe was the mascot for the second year running.
Donor and Poplar Bluff resident Pam Cowin said she has now donated over five gallons of blood.
“I don’t have money and I don’t have much, but I have blood I can give every once in a while,” she said.
The next scheduled drive is Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Poplar Bluff Seventh Day Adventist Church, followed by the Poplar Bluff Eagles on Monday, Jan. 16.
Until Jan. 2, anyone who donates will receive the incentive of a long sleeve Red Cross t-shirt, along with a keychain flashlight that can be put on a dog’s leash or collar while supplies last.
For more information on local blood drives, eligibility requirements and appointments, please visit redcrossblood.org.