OKLAHOMA (KFDX/KJTL) — Our Blood Institute partnered with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday for a special blood drive aimed at boosting donations during one of the most difficult times of the year for maintaining blood supplies.

The drive took place on Monday, December 29, in the afternoon as organizers worked to address seasonal shortages that often occur during the busy holiday period, when travel and packed schedules limit donor turnout.

“At the hospitals, blood usage never, ever stops,” said Jessica Hobert with Our Blood Institute. “We are kind of in a deficit already, and we’re trying to make that up. Partnering with the Thunder has helped us attract as many donors as possible through these special promotions.”

To thank participants, organizers offered Oklahoma City Thunder T-shirts, game tickets, and lunch. But many donors said their reasons for giving extended beyond the incentives.

“I just think it’s the season of giving,” donor Shaylyn Clayton said. “Any little thing that I can do to help others can make a big impact on somebody else.”

Organizers say the demand for blood remains constant year-round, even as donations tend to decline during holidays. As a result, community partnerships and repeat events are key to keeping hospital shelves stocked.

The effort will continue on Wednesday with another themed blood drive at Chick-fil-A on Callfield from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a “dinner-and-a-movie” promotion, with food provided by Chick-fil-A and movie tickets donated by Cinemark.

“Our community is standing up and helping us invite other community members to be a part of what makes our community great,” Hobert said.

Our Blood Institute says ongoing collaborations like these help close donation gaps during seasonal slowdowns and ensure hospitals have the blood they need every day.

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