Thirty-four donors participated in the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever blood drive Friday at the Liberty County Justice Center.

The drive, held in conjunction with the American Red Cross bloodmobile, set a goal of 20 pints of blood.

Lt. James Caines said the Red Cross currently is 11 percent short of its normal average for the year.

Caines said the American Red Cross was very pleased with the turnout for the blood drive and that it will help greatly with the donation shortage.

“The community responded in outstanding support and donated a total of 34 pints of blood,” Sheriff Steve Sikes said. “Giving blood is giving life, and I am appreciative for all those who gave.”

For information on where to donate blood, go to www.redcrossblood.org.