Unyts 'Holiday Heroes' blood drive

WNY police, fire and first responders host blood and registry drives to save lives

More than 20 agencies from across Western New York are giving the gift of life by hosting blood and registry drives in their communities during the most critical time of year for blood: the week between Christmas and New Year's. The blood drives will include Donate Life registry drives as well, where volunteers will encourage the public to sign up to become organ donors on the state Donate Life registry. Representatives from each agency will be on hand to kick off this lifesaving opportunity.

Hear the story of Tim Day, a Town of Tonawanda police officer, who is currently awaiting a lifesaving heart transplant due to an autoimmune disease.

When: Friday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Town of Tonawanda Police Department, 1835 Sheridan Drive

Who: Law enforcement officials from across Western New York, including State Police, Erie County Sheriff's Office, Buffalo Police, MercyFlight, TSA and fire departments from across the region.

Unyts is WNY's only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center. It supplies blood products for Kaleida Health Hospitals, ECMC, and all the hospitals in Niagara and Wyoming counties.