The iconic smokestacks at the Quarry Market are glowing red tonight, to remind passersby to donate blood, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is running 'dangerously short' of blood, especially O-negative, the 'universal donor' which is in demand during disasters.

And the blood bank has had plenty of those in the last several months, from Hurricane Harvey to the shooting at Sutherland Springs.

“Our South Texas communities stepped up to donate during difficult times in 2017,” said Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, STBTC associate medical director. “Unfortunately, as time passes, people get back to their routines and tend to forget that the need for lifesaving blood continues."

In addition to the tragedies of late 2017, the Blood Bank has had far lower donations lately, due to the Christmas holidays and school being out. Approximately 30% of the STBTC's collections come from drives at high schools and colleges.

January is National Blood Donor Month, and people who donate blood will receive a 'Texas Strong' T-shirt, as well as the thanks of the community.

PHOTO' SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD AND TISSUE CENTER