Town skipper Scott Cuthbert and midfielder Andrew Shinnie visited the Luton Blood Donor Centre earlier this week and learned all about the blood donation process, as well as the urgent call for local residents to come forward and donate both blood and platelets.
Each time someone donates, they could save or improve the lives of three people.
As part of the #EFLDayofAction Cuthbert and Shinnie met a number of donors who had taken the time out of their day to donate – with the centre hoping to see 250 new donors sign up this month, in the wake of blood stores being hit hard after the 'Beast from the East'.
The Luton town #Giveblood campaign is also looking to encourage the 2,500 lapsed donors across Luton who have not donated for two years or more to book a blood donation appointment and hopes to reach out to black and Asian residents to come forward and donate.
Luton donor centre is a great place to give blood. The donor centre is a bright and modern venue with free Wifi and longer opening hours than community venues. It's quick and easy to donate and you can save someone else's life, whilst going about yours.
Cuthbert was really impressed with the facilities and by just how easy it is to donate. He said: "It was great to meet all the fantastic members of staff and donors at the Blood Donor Centre. Me and Shins (Andrew Shinnie) have learned a huge amount about the vital work these guys carry out, as well as meet some of the local people who donate on a regular basis.
"We didn't quite realise how straightforward the whole process is and how easy it would be for somebody to donate. I'd like to think a lot of our supporters are involved in this as from what we have seen the centre are calling out for new donors, and you never know when you or someone close to you might be in need of a transfusion."
(Alan Tasker has donated over 250 times at the Blood Donor Centre)
In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
If you are already a blood donor you could consider becoming a platelet donor. NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient, regardless of blood type. One platelet donation can help up to three adults or 12 babies or children.
It's quick and easy to register to become a blood donor. Visit www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store. You can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk