(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

The largest blood drive of the year is coming to the Tempe Center for the Arts from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

Blood donations during this Sunday's event at the Tempe Center for the Arts are vital and help people like Mia McPoland, a 15-year-old who's had nearly 200 blood transfusions since she was born.

Blood is needed at hospitals every single day, but especially around the Fourth of July holiday, when donations drop off sharply.

That’s why United Blood Services of Arizona is holding its biggest blood drive of the year Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Mia McPoland, 15, knows how important this drive is. She was born with a condition that requires her to have several blood transfusions every year. She’s had nearly 200 so far.

“It makes me feel so thankful and blessed that people are giving a part of their lives, so I can stay alive,” she said.

Her mother, Kristi, said it can be scary having to rely on blood donations. She joked she can sound like a “broken record” urging people to donate. But she can’t stop, because she knows how vital each donation is.

“It saves lives. And not just for Mia,” she said. “I mean, you could have a family member in a horrible car accident, and they have to have blood right away.”    

In addition to the good feeling Kristi McPoland said donors will get, the first 500 people will also receive some thank yous, including two Diamondbacks tickets and vouchers for a free Whataburger and a free beverage at an Arizona Craft Brewers Guild location.

Online appointments are recommended, at www.AZHero.org/SaveAZ.