PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - Officials with the Kentucky Blood Center say they usually see a drop in blood donations this time of year so they are providing an incentive to get donors through their doors.

Donor Recruitment Specialist Richard Davis believes the drop in donations is because, "People are busy with Christmas and New Year's parties, all those commitments and trying to get things done at the end of the year for the first of the year, giving blood becomes a secondary thought." Davis urges that even though it becomes a secondary thought, "That need is still there, every single day."

Kentucky Blood Center locations across the state are participating in the incentive, including the one in Pikeville. Davis explains the incentive, "We are doing $10 gift cards on all our mobile blood drives. In center, if you come to the donor's center in Pikeville, we are giving movie passes away to everyone that attempts to come in and donate."

Kim Branham has been collecting donations for years and she experienced first hand just how vital blood donations are, "Five years ago December 31st, my grandson was born premature and received 5 blood transfusions." So Branham knows donors are saving lives and that is why she encourages everyone to donate.

The incentive will will be offered to donors through January 4th.