The American Red Cross held its annual blood drive at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday and Lois Palazzolo was among the faithful donors. She has donated at the blood drive every year since it began six years ago.

“It’s just a good thing to do,” said Palazzolo, a resident of Harper Woods who works in the banking industry. “It’s easy, virtually painless, and all for a good cause. Help somebody else out.”

The blood drive in partnership with The District Detroit is a staple on the August calendar. Presenting donors received two tickets to a Detroit Tigers game and two tickets to a Detroit Red Wings preseason game, among other prizes.

The Red Cross has experienced declining blood donations this summer, heightening the demand for lifesaving blood products for those who need it, such as trauma patients, those receiving cancer treatment and people with lifelong blood disorders.

Only three percent of the U.S. population donates blood so new donors are always needed to help save lives.“It’s just a great way to give something to somebody else,” said Palazzolo, who estimates she has donated at least seven gallons of blood to the Red Cross over the years. “Staff is always friendly. Facilities are always clean. It’s always a pleasant environment. So many convenient locations. It’s hard not to donate . . . I really appreciate the Red Cross.”

By David Olejarz, Regional Communications Director