Sallisaw and Sequoyah County residents are being called upon to donate blood at a special Thanksgiving blood drive, which will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Indian Capitol Technology Center in Sallisaw.

Donors will receive a free t-shirt!

"The need for blood is an ongoing thing and with the holidays coming up, every donor plays an important role in helping with the needed supply of life-saving blood," Melody Smith, United Blood Services donor recruiter, said.

"There have recently been some changes in the qualifications for donating blood also," Smith said. "The rule regarding tattoos has changed. Where there used to be a year-long deferral for a tattoo, now that rule no longer applies in most cases. If you received your tattoo in a certified tattoo facility the deferral is only 24 hours now," Smith said. "Also, some things you may not know are you must be at least 17 years old to donate blood, diabetics can donate blood and most medications, such as high blood pressure medicines, usually do not keep you from donating."

United Blood Services in Fort Smith, Ark., is conducting the blood drive.

For an appointment go to www.UnitedBloodServices.org or call Smith at (479) 651-7168.