The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is hosting a two-day blood drive Aug. 7-8 at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. An Aug. 6 press release from Cy-Fair ISD stated donations from the drive would be available for the El Paso area where the demand for blood was heightened following an Aug. 3 mass shooting. Julie Silva, a communications coordinator with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, said as of Aug. 7 the El Paso community was able to meet demands for donations there, so blood collected at the Berry Center event will be used by local patients. "Events such as these serve as a reminder that it is the blood already on the shelves from regular blood donors that help save lives in the wake of tragedies," Silva said. "While we have not sent blood directly to El Paso or Dayton, we must always be prepared to help our community." Those interested in donating should schedule an appointment online here. Donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream, officials said.