The statistics are daunting. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. A car accident victim can use up to 100 pints of blood.

Healthy donors are the only source for that blood – there is no substitute.

Blood is not only needed for emergencies; it is vital for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia and other illnesses. Some people need blood transfusions on a regular basis to live.

A single blood donation can be separated into components: red blood cells help accident victims, surgery patients and people with anemia; platelets help blood clot and are used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, while plasma is used to treat patients suffering from burns or shock.

The opportunity to donate and help save a life is coming to the Camellia City this Thursday. The Red Cross Bus will be in front of City Hall Oct. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Donating blood is safe, simple and takes about an hour from start to finish. Following registration, a mini-physical and taking of a confidential healthy history, donation will take about six to 12 minutes. Relax and enjoy some juice and a snack on the bus when you are done.

During the Thursday drive, everyone who donates will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt and be entered in a regional drawing for a $1,000 gift card.

Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and have a picture ID.