The Hoxworth Blood Center has planned three blood drives this week in hopes of preventing a blood shortage over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The Tristate's primary blood bank, which serves 24 area hospitals, says it especially needs type O donors. This week's blood drives include:

All day Wednesday at Hoxworth's Blue Ash, Corryville and downtown donor centers.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Eastgate Mall.

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park.

For information, call 451-0910.