As the largest volunteer organization in Washington State, Puget Sound Blood Center relies on thousands of dedicated supporters to help fulfill its daily livesaving mission.

In the Valley, the center will hold a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Factory Stores at North Bend, located at 461 S.W. Fork Ave.

Locally, about 900 volunteers per week donate blood when it is needed, and it’s always needed. Other volunteers help make mobile blood drives a success, or are invaluable in making the process flow smoothly at donation centers throughout the region. They help register and monitor donors, and try to make the overall experience relaxing and enjoyable.

The efforts of all Blood Center volunteers ensure that the “gift of life” is available for those in need. Without volunteers, it would not be possible to stabilize the blood supply in Western Washington. During National Volunteer Week, April 17 to May 3, people can honor those Blood Center volunteers who are saving patients today by signing up to donate blood, potentially saving patients tomorrow.

For information about donating and blood drives, visit the Blood Center’s Web site at www.psbc.org or call 1-800-398-7888.