CORDELE — There are tons of good reasons for donating blood, but the American Red Cross has come across a new one that may be more timely than ever:

Give blood Tuesday at the Cordele Community Clubhouse between noon and 6 p.m. and you may win one of three $1,000 gas cards!

“We like to draw attention to this blood drive because it is the biggest one we hold in this community each year,” said Theresa Guess, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross’ Tifton office.

Guess and Crisp County volunteer coordinator Myra Statham said Tuesday’s blood drive will also be held in honor of local residents Fred Gordon and John Patterson. Gordon has cancer and receives blood products every other day and Patterson, who has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease called TTP, receives blood products every day.

“The need for blood is constant, and we have to have it on hand before it’s needed,” Guess said. “Right now we are currently running on a half-day supply for all blood types and the need for types O and B will be tremendous over the holiday weekend. We try to maintain a three-day supply, but our reserves are lower than normal.”

In addition to the chance to win one of three $1,000 gas cards, Guess and Statham said every donor will receive a free ticket to the SAM shortline excursion train and a ball cap.

“We have quite a few repeat donors, but we’re also in need of new donors who may have never given blood before,” Guess said.

Volunteers are needed almost as badly as blood donors, too. Statham said anyone who would like to volunteer for Tuesday’s drive or for future events can email her at bloodlady229@yahoo.com.