Lifeblood, the region’s only full-service, non-profit blood center will host Donor Fest 2012, a week-long event to increase blood donations during the summer.

The event will take place Monday, June 11 through Saturday, June 16 at each of the Lifeblood’s donor centers, culminating with a celebration for Lifeblood’s donors on Saturday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Audubon Park, at Southern and Perkins Extended, in East Memphis.

Donations can be made at any of Lifeblood’s six donor centers, which will open for business at their regularly scheduled hours but will stay open extended hours to help Lifeblood reach its goal of 1,500 donors.

The summer is often the most difficult time for Lifeblood, as the need for blood is high but donations are low. To counteract this, Lifeblood is scheduling a week-long blitz at its donor centers in hopes of encouraging new, regular and lapsed donors to give blood. Refreshments and limited edition 2012 Donor Fest T-shirts will be provided to each person who donates blood during the week of June 11-16. Additionally, a mobile bus will be available on Saturday, June 16 at the celebration for those who wish to donate on that day. The June 16th celebration will include food, music, magic shows, balloon animals, face painting, kids activities, donor recognition and more. No pets, please.

For more information, visit www.donorfest.org or call 1.888.LIFEBLOOD for more details, donor center hours and donor center locations.