United Blood Service is having its "Pay It Forward" end-of-the-year blood drive through December 31.

Right now at UBS, when you donate blood you will have your choice of one of these non-profit organizations to help: March of Dimes or American Cancer Society! You choose your favorite, and United Blood Services will send a $3 donation to the organization you choose!

Of course, with every blood donation, you could very well be saving up to  3 lives!

If  you choose March of Dimes, you will be helping to improve infant health through the prevention of premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. If you choose the American Cancer Society, you'll be helping reach a goal eliminating cancer as a major health concern by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer.

All donors will receive a ‘Pay It Forward’ long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last AND a FREE movie ticket through points in UBS's online rewards store! Donors are also entered to win a two night stay at Cypress Bayou Casino, including dinner at Mr. Lester’s!

After donating, UBS asks donors to post a selfie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #Lifein3s and tag 3 friends to continue paying it forward by donating blood. Even the smallest act of caring has the potential to turn a life around. It starts with YOU.

To schedule an appointment to donate visit www.bloodhero.com  or call 337-235-LIFE (5433).

Donors can donate at the Lafayette Donor Center at 1503 Bertrand Drive.  Holiday hours are as follows:  Monday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday 8:00  a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00  a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,  Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday 7:oo a.m. to 2:oo p.m.  Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.

As always, all blood types are needed in order to prevent any blood type shortages from occurring.  The holidays bring a extreme decline in blood donations.  However, blood usage during the holidays increases.

Donors can also visit the United Blood Services website  the day of their donation and click on the “Health History Questionnaire”.  This allows donors to complete the interview portion of their donation on-line, in the privacy of their home or office.  Make sure to print your “Fast track donation ticket” and bring it with you to your donation.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 years of age must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.  Donors receive a free cholesterol test. Donors also earn points in our “Hero in Me” online rewards store.  Points can be redeemed for movie tickets, pizza, shopping cards and more at www.bloodhero.com.  A photo ID is required to donate. For more information, call 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376).

More From Classic Rock 105.1