BloodCenter of Wisconsin open Thanksgiving morning

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is asking the community to make time to give back this Thanksgiving. There will be four BloodCenter locations open from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th.

Officials say donating blood during the holiday season can make a profound impact on patients in need, because it is a time of year when donations often decrease. All blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative donors.

The four BloodCenter locations open on Thursday include:

Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate.

Walk-ins are welcome, but donors can schedule an appointment by visiting www.bcw.edu/apptor by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376). Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.