Blood donors will get a pint of sweet treats for every pint of blood they donate at a local blood drive in late July.

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe of San Luis Obispo proudly presents the Pint for Pint Blood Drive on Friday, July 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, 995 Higuera St., just across the street from Powell’s Court Street location in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Mona Kleman, SLO County United Blood Services’ donor recruitment manager, says there is a constant need for regular blood supply by healthy individuals because blood can only be stored for a limited time before use.

“Every three seconds someone needs blood,” Kleman said. “A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if the blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions. We strive for 270 pints of blood daily to cover the need of the entire Central Coast.”

All potential donors are encouraged to join Powell’s Sweet Shoppe of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo County United Blood Services to meet this important community need. The San Luis Obispo County United Blood Services mobile donor bus will be parked and ready for donations at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust during that time, but donors must sign up in advance to get the sugary goods from Powell’s Sweet Shoppe of San Luis Obispo. Donors can sign up in advance at Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, located at 1020 Court St. Donors must also be at least 17 to participate, and should bring their IDs on the day of the blood drive.

“We’re proud to be able to support the local community and its needs,” say Miranda Battenburg, owner and manager of Powell’s Sweet Shoppe San Luis Obispo. “Powell’s Sweet Shoppe of San Luis Obispo is very much a local business – it’s locally owned and operated. We may be part of a larger franchise, but we support the local community and love to be a part of what makes San Luis Obispo so wonderful.”

For more information about the Pint for Pint Blood Drive or to learn more about SLO County United Blood Services, visit www.unitedbloodservices.org. For more information about Powell’s of San Luis Obispo, visit www.powellsss.com/go/index.cfm/locations/california/san-luis-obispo.