Children's Hospital Los Angeles holds annual Celebrity Blood Drive

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's the time of year for giving, but many overlook the one thing some people desperately need - the gift of blood. Children's Hospital Los Angeles is holding its annual Celebrity Blood Drive this weekend.

Ten-year-old leukemia survivor Delilah Ortiz needed donated blood to stay alive.

"I was glad that people gave blood for us and I felt really thankful," she said.

Thousands of patients like Delilah come through Children's Hospital Los Angeles every year.

That's why some actors, singers and other entertainers posed for pictures and donated blood. They want to bring awareness to people about this precious commodity.

"It's a great cause. It's such an easy way to help. One pint of blood, I believe, saves three lives," said actress Sherri Saum from "The Fosters."

Doctors say blood is needed for the 18,000-20,000 blood transfusions done every year at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. This time of year, it's tough to get donors to come in.

"Well traditionally December is a really low month for donations just because people get caught up with the holidays and have what they think are more important things to think about, and so we try to keep the kids in mind," said Nicholas Gonzalez, a blood drive organizer.

The hospital needs 900 donors per month just to meet the demand. Organizers say the need is year round.

"Type o is the universal donor, so we always appreciate type o blood, but sometimes having the specific type the patient has and having blood available of that type is beneficial," said Dr. Ajay Perumbeti with Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

So amid all the holiday parties, gift wrapping and travel, remember kids like Delilah.

"There is always a high possibility of me getting cancer again," she said.

She said receiving life-saving blood is the one thing many patients truly need during this season of giving.

The Celebrity Blood Drive and Concert continues on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027. If you don't have time to donate, you can always stop by, enjoy the event and make an appointment to donate at a later time.