Memorial City Mall held three donation drives Saturday in hopes of receiving blood, medical supplies and kids meals to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

The curbside drop-off donation drives are considered essential under Harris County’s “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, which is in effect until April 3. No one was permitted to enter the mall.

Drop off medical suppliesfrom noon-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the west entrance of the mall (adjacent to the American Girl store and Ice Skate Memorial City). West side of Memorial City Mall, 303 Memorial City, access off Gessner Rd.

The supply drive, which will also be held this upcoming Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, started at noon, accepting a variety of personal protective equipment, including wipes, face shields, isolation gowns, medical-grade N95 and surgical masks, sanitizer, and shoe and boot covers to assist West Houston hospitals and health care workers. Residents also donated gift cards from Memorial City restaurants for healthcare professionals.

“Today’s donation drive has been steady and we are very appreciative of everyone’s support,’ said Harry Hadland, vice president of Property Management for MetroNational, in a written statement.

There is no current goal projected in terms of supplies needed, but the hope is to “prepare in advance for a potential increase in c(COVID-19) cases so (West Houston hospitals) can continue to provide the best care for their patients and their medical staff on the front lines.”

Kids Meals, an organization in Houston that delivers free meals to the homes of Houston’s hungriest preschool students, accepted food donations, and encouraged residents to bring items like canned chicken, individual packs of tuna, granola bars, peanut butter cups and tins of Vienna sausage. The drive will also take place from noon to 4 p.m. April 4.

The emergency blood drive, a partnership with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, held appointments for blood donations on both Friday and Saturday in hopes of maintaining its blood supply levels after experiencing a shortage, said Cameron Palmer, the community development coordinator for blood center.

Palmer said as local businesses and schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, less people were donating blood, which prompted the center to reach out to the community. Blood levels have since increased to optimal levels, but the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is using the blood drives to educate the community.

“Now that we’re at optimal levels, we need to sustain those levels. Come out and donate regularly,” said Palmer, adding that regular donations keep hospitals from needing to stockpile blood.

The center plans to host other drives with businesses throughout the city for which people can make appointments in advance the center’s website. But Palmer added, “after this is over, still make that effort to come and donate blood,” he said. “Hospitals are always going to need blood.”

brittany.britto@chron.com