The Lawrence Community Blood Center is having a blood drive through Saturday aimed at increasing the center’s blood collection before the Labor Day weekend.

Anyone who donates blood at the center, 1410 Kasold Drive, will receive a full car wash, courtesy of Auto Plaza Car Wash, 2828 Four Wheel Drive.

The blood center must collect 580 pints of blood per day to meet patient needs at 75 Kansas and Missouri hospitals, including Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Blood and blood products are needed, especially during the Labor Day weekend because blood collection centers are closed. The weekend is also notorious for having more serious traffic accidents because more than 30 million Americans are expected to drive 50 or more miles.

Dr. Jay Menitove, the center’s executive director, said four blood types are needed most: O-positive, O-negative, A-negative and AB-negative.

The blood center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Prospective donors can call 785-843-5383 to make an appointment or just walk in to donate.