BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Ruby Alatorre, 24, and her husband were ready to become parents, but they never anticipated two bundles of joy at once.

"It was a shock. I think everything has been a shock with them so far," Alatorre said.

Alatorre was pregnant with twin girls and due this March. But their surprise came early when Alatorre had to have an emergency c-section and gave birth to her twins Gloria and Maya at just 25 weeks old.

Alatorre said she had to wait three days to see her girls and described the moment she finally met them.

"I just cried, I just cried. I got to read them a book and I think it was 'Cat and the Hat' or something. I took the book home. It was really emotional," Alatorre said.

Now at 28 weeks old, her girls are stable and still fighting.

"The only thing right now is their lungs, they tell us they are premature and you just got to give them time and they will mature and they will remember to breath," Alatorre said.

And they are in need of blood transfusions which prompted the Houchin Community Blood Bank to ask people to donate O-negative blood for the girls Thursday.

Their request drew an outpouring of support that Alatorre never expected.

People are encouraged to come donate at either of Houchin’s locations, 11515 Bolthouse Dr. and 5901 Truxtun Ave.

Donors can give blood between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years of age or older. Appointments can be scheduled at HCBB.com .