The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is urging residents to donate before the Labor day holiday. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The not-for-profit is the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area Ozark hospitals. The CBCO is urging donors to give blood to help ensure a strong blood supply before the Labor Day holiday weekend.

All donor centers will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day. With the holiday weekend approaching, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is asking community members to donate and help boost blood reserves.

They are hoping to lure would-be blood and plasma donors with the Fuel, Food, or Film Blood Drive. Donors can either choose a $10 Kum & Go gas card, a selection of gift cards, coupons, or other free food items from local and national restaurants or a $10 Fandango movie pass, redeemable at most area movie theaters.

The drive will be held this Friday, September 2, at all four Community Blood Centers of the Ozarks Donor Centers in Springfield, Joplin, Springdale, and Bentonville. To make an appointment or for more information, visit cbco.org.