Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Matt Johnson donates his 20 unit of double-reds Friday. Johnson has donated every chance he get since turning 18. Johnson said he is not afraid of the needle, but admitted he has to look away when the needle pinches his skin

NEW ULM — The Red Cross Blood Drive at the Civic Center this week reached it’s goal.

The three day goal was 255 units of blood and the Red Cross managed 256 units. Wednesday had the highest donations with 106 units. Thursday had 88 units and Friday saw 62 units donated.

Red Cross volunteer Ellen Friedrich said there is a strong need for blood donations. In some areas, surgeries are being delayed due to a limited blood supply.

Anyone looking to donate blood is encouraged to visit the Red Cross and find the nearest donation site.

The Red Cross bloodmobile will return to the New Ulm Civic Center Wednesday, August 25 through Friday, August 27.