According to Dr. Nancy Williamson, a volunteer at the office, people had turned out in record numbers.

''We have a waiting list that is absolutely phenomenal,'' she said.

Dr. Williamson added that the office would welcome donations later in the week.

''We still want people to come, but we want them to come later,'' she said.

The Red Cross Blood Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the rest of the week. For more information, donors can call (706) 868-8800.

The wait also was long at Shepeard Community Blood Center.

While the center was operating with a full staff as well as volunteers from local hospitals, average waiting time was still between two and three hours.

Robin Steinhilper, community relations coordinator for Shepeard, said that those wanting to donate blood should call the center at (706) 737-4551 before going by the facility.