Indio Vies for ‘Most Giving’ Title

Indio Striving to take back ‘Most Giving’ city during Nine Cities Blood Drive Challenge.

INDIO – Indio residents are rolling up their sleeves to regain the “Most Giving” title in Lifestream Blood Bank’s Ninth Annual Nine Cities Blood Drive Challenge.  This yearly event runs July 1 through August 31, 2021 and supports patients in need, as well as a friendly rivalry between Coachella Valley cities.

The City of Palm Springs is the defending Nine Cities champion, having narrowly edged Palm Desert in 2020. The City of La Quinta was the 2019 champion; the City of Indio reigned from 2015-2018.

The 9th annual challenge comes at a time of dangerously low community blood supplies nationwide.  Let’s step up and help our own, and get back into the winner’s circle!  Indio residents generously gave the most blood donations of any of the “Nine Cities” each year from 2015 to 2018.

“As the valley’s largest city, and the home of so many regional services, we must demonstrate we are also the leaders in our community’s well-being,” said Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes.  “Please come out and donate for our local hospital patients, and of course, Team Indio!”

Donors get a commemorative t-shirt, a $10 Stater Bros gift card, and a special beach towel. More importantly, they receive the satisfaction of knowing they gave the gifts of life and comfort to loved ones, friends, neighbors and colleagues, including those being treated at JFK Hospital in Indio.

Donations may be made on Thursday, July 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indio Teen Center (81-678 Avenue 46) OR any Indio drive (see www.lstream.org/9cities/ for a complete drive list).  Donations can also be made at LifeStream’s La Quinta Donor Center located at 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive.  The center is open seven days per week and walk-ins are accepted.  When you donate at the center, just say, “I’m donating for Indio!” and you’ll get the limited edition t-shirt.

Donors must be at least 15 years of age (15 and 16-year-olds require a signed parental consent form; the form is available at all drives), weigh at least 115 pounds, provide photo ID, and feel well.  Whether or not you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you can give blood.

Call 1-800-879-4484 TODAY to make your life-saving appointment!