Police are investigating after thieves broke into Maitland Blood Bank on Tuesday night.
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Intruders took a television from the refreshment area and a WiFi modem.
Fortunately no other equipment was taken.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire said the blood bank was still operational despite the theft.
“We’re OK, it hasn’t affected our schedule or our ability to collect donations,” she said.
“We’re still proceeding as normal at the moment, but it was pretty disappointing.
“This is not the time of year where we can afford not to be taking blood donations.”
Ms Falkenmire said the holiday season was a critical time for blood donations because platelets only had a shelf life of five days.
“Cancer patients are the biggest users of blood in Australia and their need does not take a break over the Christmas and new year holidays,” she said.
“We really hope that more people roll up their sleeves and give blood.”
Ms Falkenmire said the blood service needed an additional 4000 people to donate across NSW between Christmas Eve and January 4.
“It’s really the fortnight from Christmas Eve we’re most in need of donors,” she said.
“It’s the trickiest time of the year because everyone stops for a break.
“However, the need for blood never takes a break, nor do the people who need it, which include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, road trauma victims, new mums and their bubs, and people with chronic blood disorders.”
Residents who want to give blood can visit donateblood.com.au or call 131 495 to make an appointment.
Anyone with information on the break-in should call Maitland police on 4934 0200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
