Another San Luis Obispo County resident has been selected as a finalist for the Toyota Prius Drive To Save Lives Giveaway being offered by United Blood Services Central Coast with support from the local Gold Coast Toyota Dealers and Coast 101.3. Atascadero resident Lloyd Rickard is the 4th of 20 blood donors to be chosen by September 30th for a chance to win.

While donating at a blood drive held at Carrows Restaurant in Atascadero on Thursday, Rickard entered his name along with 47 others for the chance to become the next Toyota Prius Finalist. A surprise announcement had been made at the start of the drive stating a finalist would be drawn at this blood drive after the last donor registered. Rickard said he has donated at least once a year since he got out of the Service. A regular customer at Carrows, Rickard was excited to both donate and get a free meal on Thursday.

When asked why he makes donating blood a priority, Rickard replied, “Anyone who has been in the Service knows people that have needed blood and knows how important it is to donate.” He went on to explain, “I think there is no better way to help someone in need, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”Rickard said he had “a great overall donation experience, and that it was fun joking around with the staff.”

United Blood Services will continue selecting blood donor finalists throughout the campaign through September 3oth. In early October, a special event will be held where the grand prize winner will be chosen. One lucky donor, already a hero for helping to save the lives of local patients, will be the proud owner of a new 2008 Toyota Prius. Volunteer blood donors, age 18 and older, through September 30th will be automatically entered in the Toyota Prius Drive to Save Lives Giveaway, for a new Toyota Prius. Blood Donors can double their odds by depositing a second chance entry at any Gold Coast Toyota Dealer after donating.

Blood drives are happening daily throughout the region and centers are conveniently located. For more information on area blood drives and details for the giveaway, go online to www.UnitedBloodServices.org. Donors can make an appointment or simply walk-in.

UBSCC Centers

San Luis Obispo:
4119 S. Broad St. 543-4290. Mon & Tue: 10- 6 ; Wed & Th: 10-7 ; Fri: 8 - 3 ; Sun: 8-1

Santa Maria:
1770 S. Broadway. 928-2546. Mon & Tue: 10- 6 ; Wed & Th: 10- 7 ; Fri: 8 - 3

Santa Barbara:
902 Laguna St. 965-7037. Mon & Tue: 10- 6 ; Wed & Th: 10- 7 ; Fri: 8 - 3

Ventura:
1756 Eastman Ave. 1-800-715-3699. Mon & Tue: 10- 6 ; Wed & Th: 10- 7 ; Fri: 8 - 2

Camarillo:
2105 Pickwick Dr. 1-800-715-3699. Mon & Wed: 1- 7

Thousand Oaks:
1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 1-800-715-3699. Tue & Th: 1- 7