SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego Blood Bank has figured out how they're going to fill a Chargers-sized hole in their donations.
This year, instead of the "Chargers Blood Drive," the Blood Bank will host the "San Diego Cares: It's in Our Blood" event.
It will feature many of the things that made the Chargers Blood Drive so popular over the past 38 years. But instead of focusing on one team, it will feature several San Diego-based teams.
"The first call I got after the Chargers left was from the San Diego Padres," said San Diego Blood Bank CEO David Wellis. "The promise was always that if the Chargers left, they would step up."
In addition to the Padres, this year's blood drive event will have players and representatives from the Gulls, Sockers and several area college teams.
"It's brought together so many people to continue this legacy," said Wellis.
The blood bank is still hoping to collect about 1,000 pints of blood during the event, same as the last Chargers Blood Drive. Wellis said a handful of local companies also pledged to encourage their employees to take part.
The San Diego Cares: It's in Our Blood event will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Town and Country Center in Mission Valley. The Blood Bank decided to move the date to later in the season so the blood they collect would last through the new year.
Until then, anyone who wants can donate during the San Diego Cares "Mania" month, from Nov. 15-Dec. 15. Anyone who does will get a T-shirt, VIP access to the autograph line at the event, and an entry into a raffle for a Honda CR-V.
Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting iCareSanDiego.com or calling 1-800-4-MY-SDBB (1-800-469-7322).
