BLOOD SUPPLY, IN RED, NEEDS DONORS TODAY.

Byline: Jeannette DeSantis Daily News Staff Writer

Five local churches are joining forces today to help the American Red Cross collect much-needed blood and avert a severe community shortage.

The blood drive, called Save-a-Life Sunday, will be held in conjunction with eight other churches in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

"We always need extra blood during the holidays," said Red Cross spokesman Frank DiResta. "And that is usually the time people don't donate."

Blood can only be stockpiled for 45 days before hospitals need to replenish their inventories, DiResta said.

The goal for the Red Cross is 5,000 units a week, officials said. The next three weeks are critical to meeting that goal, they said.

Anyone age 17 or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, is in good health and not at risk for HIV/AIDS, may be a volunteer blood donor.

The churches conducting the blood drive are Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church, 10158 Johanna Ave., Sunland, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 18400 Kinzie St., Northridge, 8:45 to 2 p.m.; Grace Community Church, 13248 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley, 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.; St. Jude's Catholic Church, 32032 W. Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Our Lady of Peace Church, 15444 Nordhoff St., North Hills, 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Appointments can be made by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE.