When tragedy strikes, it’s the blood already on the shelves that matters most. Why? Because donations made through the American Red Cross take up to three days to be tested and processed before they are available for use by patients. That means a trauma victim who suffered life-threatening injuries may be saved in part thanks to a blood donation made by a college student the previous week, or an office manager the previous month. The donation may even come from you.

Red Cross volunteer donors come from all backgrounds and all walks of life, but what they have in common is the desire to help. That patient may never know who provided the blood that helped save his or her life, but they’ll undoubtedly be grateful forever.

Plus, you could end up a winner. Come to give blood during the month of October and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card.

Upcoming opportunities to give blood near you: Ball Metalpack, 300 W. Greger St., Oakdale, Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Also available is the Modesto Fixed Site, 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto with various days and times available for appointments; walk-ins are also welcome.