United Blood Services will host Free Lunch Friday today at the new Bonita Lakes Draw Center. 

    Lunch, which is provided by Chick Fil-A, will be served from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., to all donors who give a whole blood, double red blood cell, platelet or plasma donation.

     “This is just one small way United Blood Services can say thank you to residents who take a little of their time and a little of themselves and make a life-saving blood donation,” said Heather Knight, United Blood Services spokesperson.

    “It takes between 200 and 250 blood products each day to meet the needs of patients right here in our area. Blood donation is vital to the health of our community and volunteer blood donors are in continuous need,” Knight said.

     With each donation blood donors also reap additional benefits. Reward points are given with each donation and are redeemable towards items such as movie tickets, DVD purchases, music purchases, among others. Additionally, each donor is given a mini-physical and free cholesterol test.

    Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 year’s old (with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. Additional requirements apply to donors 22 and younger and those giving platelets or plasma.

    To make an appointment, call (601) 482-2482 or visit www.bloodhero.com. Walk-ins are welcome.

     The United Blood Services Bonita Lakes Center is located at 1177 Bonita Lakes Circle, next to TJ Maxx in Meridian. Hours of operations are: Monday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Wednesday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon-5 p.m.

    United Blood Services is East Central Mississippi and West Alabama’s community blood provider.