CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Winter weather can impact blood donation levels, making Monday’s semiannual Red Cross Broadcaster for Blood drive even more important, organization leaders said.

“In December, we had two relatively small snow events that created about a reduction of 600 units collected because of dozens of blood drives that were canceled during [those] snow events,” Red Cross Central Virginia Chapter Executive Director Bill Brent told Cville Right Now.

As a result, Brent said it’s important for people to come out and donate this Monday, whether they’ve given regularly for years for never given at all. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel.

“If you’ve never given, this is such a great opportunity because there’s so much support and again, great energy, good fun, good food, lots of door prizes,” he said. “So, we just really make it a great donor experience and everybody that comes has a great time.”

The drive is held in partnership with a group of radio stations (including those owned by Charlottesville Media Group which also owns Cville Right Now), and receives support from 26 additional community partners. Thanks to these partners, the drive will feature music, food and door prizes all day, Brent said.

“It’s really a celebration of all of our blood donors,” Brent said. “And a lot of the folks who come may also give at our fixed site in Charlottesville on a regular basis.”

The drive is held every year in the summer and winter, which Brent said is because those are the two hardest times to collect blood. 25% of all donations come from school and universities, meaning breaks during those seasons can put a halt to donations, and the shelf life of donated blood can mean a halt in donations can leave hospital without any supply.

Brent also said winter weather can often derail plans for blood drives during the season.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to make an appointment, particularly due to the popularity of this event. Prospective donors can do so at redcrossblood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).

“We will try to accommodate walk-ins on the day of the event,” Brent said, “but scheduling an appointment in advance is definitely the best way to go.”

The Red Cross’ goal is to collect 250 units during the event, which usually see around 225-260 donated. The event is the largest blood drive held in Central Virginia, and its impact is felt, as every unit has the potential to save up to three lives, depending on how its utilized.

“The games and the door prizes and the incentives are just that,” Brent said. “The reality is that, when you donate a unit of blood, you are potentially saving three lives.”