A local blood bank is asking for donations during this busy holiday season.

While there is not a shortage of blood at Vitalant right now, the organization still wants to be stocked in case its supply runs low. 

Valley resident Alonso Rivera Jr. donates blood at Vitalant twice a month every month.

"I like to help people because some people really need it and some people, they don't want to come," Rivera said. "That's the reason I come."

Vitalant provides up to 2 to 3,000 units of blood per day to hospitals across the Valley.

"It's crucial that we get as much blood as possible, and we provide and support our hospitals," Vitalant Donor Recruitment Manager Ali Arredondo III said.

Seventy percent of the Valley is eligible to donate blood, but only 3% actually donate. 

Donations drop around this time of the year, because of travel, illness and the holidays, officials said. With fewer donors, that means less blood to go around in case of an emergency. Just one pint of blood is enough to save three lives.

All blood types are always needed, but there is a shortage of one particular blood type. 

"There's a shortage in all blood types, but O is the one that is used for trauma situations," Arredondo said. "So, O negative is blood that there is a shortage at the moment."

Vitalant is open daily, even during the holidays. They are giving an incentive for those who donate during the month of December. 

"It's nice if they come before Christmas, because around Christmas, there is a lot of people — they need the blood and I would like to see everyone to come," Arredondo said. 

Those who are interested in donating, click here to see the requirements.