The American Red Cross of Northern New York will host a community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at its office, 203 N. Hamilton St., to help increase the state’s blood supply.

Chapter Executive Jane G. Gendron said the local Red Cross “put out the call with Superstorm Sandy,” as many blood drives scheduled throughout, and surrounding, New York City were canceled before and after the hurricane damaged that area in late October and early November.

“Hopefully this will be a successful blood drive,” Mrs. Gendron said. “We’ve had a number of calls, and the Volunteer Transportation center said if someone needs a ride, they’ll help.”

She said this will be the first blood drive the agency has hosted on site.

Through a partnership with Best Buy and the American Red Cross’s New York-Pennsylvania region, anyone who donates blood in the month of December will be entered in a chance to win one of four home theater systems from Best Buy.

Appointments are encouraged, by calling the agency at 782-4410. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Mrs. Gendron said it’s a perfect time for a blood drive because it’s near the holidays.

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