Mississippi Blood Services is holding a community blood drive from 1-5 p.m. today at United Artists Westbrook Cinema 4 on Brookway Boulevard.

“So often during a crisis people will line up to give blood, and that’s commendable,” said Susan Ates with MBS public relations. “But every day there are individuals facing their own personal catastrophes: maybe it’s a car accident, maybe it’s a sick child or maybe it is a need for surgery.

“So many of these patients are dependent on volunteer blood donations. By giving a little of yourself, you give others the fight of life during their darkest hour.”

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. Donors who are 16 need signed parental consent.

“Patients who need blood come from all backgrounds, all age groups, all ethnicities. The reasons are as varied as the patients themselves,” Ates said. “There is only one source for human blood. We make the difference”

MBS will also conduct a community blood drive at West Lincoln High School Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They will hold a special blood drive for 6-year-old Stryder Hamilton, who has aplastic anemia, at Hwy. 51 Diner in Wesson on Wednesday. The times for the Wesson blood drive are yet to be determined.

Donors will receive a T-shirt at each drive.

For more information, visit msblood.com or call 888-902-5563.