Staff Report
Amid concerns of a nationwide blood-supply shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vikings of Solvang will host their second blood drive of the year from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.
Each donor will receive a $25 voucher for dinner at participating local restaurants.
Professionals with Vitalant Blood Services will again handle the work involved in drawing blood, with special care for disinfection of all furniture and materials between donations.
Donors must be healthy and at least 18 years old. They also must wear masks. Each person’s temperature will be checked upon entry, and donation chairs will be spaced six or more feet apart.
Walk-ins are welcome, but Vitalant urges donors to make reservations online in advance. This not only saves the donor time but limits contact with others during in-person registration.
Each donation will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies, and the donor will be notified of the result in about two weeks.
To make an appointment, go to www.blood4life.org, click on “Locate a Blood Drive,” and enter Sponsor Code 1081 or search by Solvang’s ZIP code (93463), and then choose the blood drive listed as “Solvang Vikings, Large Hall.”
The $25 voucher, redeemable that night at participating local restaurants, is courtesy of the Vikings with help from the participating local restaurants.
“The Vikings rely on the generous people in the Santa Ynez Valley for a successful blood drive,” said Richard Kline, this year’s Viking chief. “The free dinner is our way to thank you for your support — and for your donation of blood for those who need it.”
Donors are asked to eat something and drink plenty of water before arriving, and to bring photo identification. For more information, call Blood Drive Chairman Kim Jensen at 805-266-8768.
The Vikings of Solvang are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides help for the medically related needs of qualified people and organizations in Santa Barbara County, with a goal of improving everyone’s quality of life.
For more information about the Vikings, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com.
