Farmers sponsors blood drive

Stewart Regional Blood Center is teaming up with 15 Farmers Insurance agencies to host a blood drive Saturday, March 31.

"Community involvement is our way of showing how much we care about East Texas," said David Shamburger, insurance and financial services agent for Farmers Insurance. "Having this blood drive gives us an opportunity to make life better by helping make blood transfusions possible for those who need them."

He added that all 15 Farmers Insurance agencies participating in the blood drive have been encouraging their customers, friends and family to join them in supporting the community by donating blood at the drive.

"This is the kind of contribution that saves lives, and we are excited about this chance to give back to the community," Shamburger said.

The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Sam's Club parking lot, 2025 South SW Loop 323.

To donate blood you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. People planning to give blood should bring a valid driver's license and eat a nourishing meal before donating. Anyone who attempts to donate at the drive will receive a Farmer's Insurance blood drive t-shirt.

Donors are also welcome at any of Stewart's six convenient area donor center locations in Tyler, Longview, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant and Paris. Stewart also hosts on-site blood drives in East Texas communities daily. Donor center directions, hours of operation and information on hosting onsite blood drives are available at 1-800-252-5584 or online at www.stewartblood.org.

Stewart Regional Blood Center is a not-for-profit, community based blood center.