Give blood and get chance to win $500 gift card

The American Red Cross is offering blood donors a chance to win a $500 American Express gift card when they give blood anywhere in Southern California.

Donations have been dangerously low over the past several months, so Red Cross officials hope to lure more donors soon. Any healthy person 17 years or older and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate.

Blood supplies are typically low during holidays, officials said. Supplies decrease because it’s a popular time of the year for out-of-town vacations.

Anyone who signs up in either Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego or Ventura counties is invited to fill out an entry form during the entire month of November.

Winners will be chosen and announced on Dec. 15.

To make an appointment call (800) 448-3542 or visit www.givelife.org.

For Spanish, please call 1-866-POR-VIDA (1-866-767-8432) or visit www.cruzrojaamericana.org.

— Kelly Strodl