Moreno Valley Mall and LifeStream partnered to host the event on Saturday, March 9, at the Moreno Valley Mall with the goal of addressing an urgent need for donations as blood supplies are limited
Several donors signed up in the days leading up to the event while others like Lourdes Urzua stumbled upon the drive by chance. “I saw the sign as I was shopping,” said the Moreno Valley woman. “I hadn’t donated in a while, so I said, ‘Okay.’”
LifeStream hosts blood drives around San Bernardino and Riverside counties daily and has plans to return to the Moreno Valley Mall to host future drives on site, said Eva Flores, a regional development coordinator for the nonprofit.
According to the group, 500 blood donations are needed daily to fulfill the needs of the region. The donation process takes about an hour and donors must be at least 15 years of age to participate.
“Our goal is to create awareness about the urgent need for blood and partner with our business communities to give hope, give life, give blood to those whose lives depend on it,” said Flores.
The Moreno Valley Mall recently launched a new brand campaign – The LOVE Campaign – which, in addition to highlighting attributes shoppers love most, looks to expand its partnerships with groups shaping the community.
“Being able to strengthen our partnerships solidifies our goal to remain part of the Moreno Valley community for the long run,” said Tracie Plefka, the mall’s general manager. “We want to be a hub for community events year-round to not only attract local residents to the site, but those looking to explore what Moreno Valley has to offer.”