ZACHARY — A Vitalant blood drive van was parked outside Rouses in Zachary today as the company works to address a major shortage of type O blood.

A spokesperson for Vitalant said thousands of appointments are needed to close the gap.

Anyone 17 or older can donate without permission. Those 16 and under can donate with a parent's approval.

Donors can receive a T-shirt, gift cards and even enter a drawing to win a new car.

A full list of the van's next stops is available here.