High school blood drives account for up to 25% of blood donations.

So with school not in session due to COVID-19 restrictions, blood donors need to come from elsewhere.

Bloodworks Northwest has started using “pop-up” centers to fill the gap.

Such a donation station will be in Kingston Nov. 11-12 at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE.

Appointments are required; no walk-in’s or guests allowed. Masks are required and social distancing is maintained. Appointments may be scheduled at www.BloodworksNW.org or by calling 1-800-398-7888. Appointments may also be scheduled for the Silverdale Center at 3230 NW Randall Way.

Blood donation has been deemed a safe and essential by the state Department of Health. Donating takes about an hour, and one donated unit can potentially save three lives, a Bloodworks news release says.