Puget Sound Blood Center, which includes Valley Medical Center among the hospitals it supplies, is asking for blood donors to help fill a shortage caused by recent snow and icy weather.

In recent days, the agency has canceled at least 15 blood drives and lost more than 1,000 blood donations and 50-plus platelet donations. In addition, the holidays will translate to approximately 25 percent fewer donors than usual, a spokesman for the blood center said.

More than 900 donor registrations are needed every day to maintain an operational blood supply in western Washington. An appointment can be scheduled at 1-800-398-7888. More information is available at www.psbc.org.