Red Cross Encourages Blood Donation

For many, watching the classic holiday movie “Elf” has been a heartwarming tradition for 20 years.

This November, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition as the holiday season begins: Spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation.

Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near – a time when blood donations often decline.

Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the film “Elf,” and create holiday cheer, all who come to give November 10-30 will receive an exclusive pair of “Elf” + Red Cross socks, while supplies last.

For more details, visit HERE.

It feels good to give a gift to someone else that truly means something.

Those wishing to help patients receive lifesaving transfusions can book a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities November 10-30:

• Bellefontaine
  11/20/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 201 Main N
• East Liberty
  11/15/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Transportation Research Center, 10820 Ohio 347
• Russells Point
  11/22/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Indian Lake Community Church, 121 Orchard Island Rd

How to donate blood:
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives.

Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals.

For more information and to apply for either position visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.