Give blood, celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the film “Elf”

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 through Nov. 30 will receive an exclusive pair of “Elf” + Red Cross socks, while supplies last. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Elf.

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:

• Francesville’s Parkview Haven at 101 Constitution Drive will have a blood drive on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., EST.

• IU Memorial Hospital in Monticello will have a blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., EST. The hospital is located at 720 South 6th St.

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.