The American Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Northbridge Mall on Friday collected 37 pints of blood. Julie Heavner completed donating her first gallon of blood, and David Herrington completed his second gallon.

According to a press release, 11 people who tried to donate were unable to because they had insufficient iron levels in their blood. In addition to being very well hydrated, it benefits every donor to be certain they are eating iron-rich foods. Iron is also more readily absorbed when iron-rich foods are consumed with foods rich in vitamin C, according to the release.

This diet will help provide prospective donors with additional energy, as well as the incomparable experience of helping to save up to three lives because of each blood donation, the release stated.