Versiti's 23rd annual 'Season of Giving' Blood Drive held at the Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Some people rolled up their sleeves on Thursday, Dec. 28 for Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin's 23rd annual "Season of Giving" Blood Drive at the Milwaukee County Zoo. 

Officials from Versiti say the holidays are when blood donations are not top of the mind for many people.

However, the need for blood never goes away.

"Blood is not manufactured, so it can only come from human beings and so we need all the donors who are eligible to come out. It's just a really critical time to be able to collect blood," said April Everson, Volunteer Services Supervisor at Versiti Blood Center. 

As a thank you present, all attempting donors received a free same day and future visit ticket to the zoo, a $20 gift card, and more.