Donation blood, platelets during holidays

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As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross and Carter Blood Care urge donors to give thanks and give back by making a plan to give blood or platelets in North Texas in the coming weeks.

This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather and holiday celebrations often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products. When they give now, donors can ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood and platelets through the end of the year.

The public can schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, “Candy Cane Lane,” those that come to give blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. There will be 12 winners. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 1-17 will get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.

Local drives upcoming include:

Today: Noon to 5 p.m. at Burleson Recreation Center, 550 N.W. Summercrest Drive in Burleson.

Dec. 15: Noon to 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge 811, 124 FM 1434 in Cleburne.

Dec. 22: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at VFW Post 9299, 6732 U.S. 67 in Alvarado.

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.

Carter BloodCare drives

When you give this holiday season, you also receive, as Carter BloodCare hosts local blood drives in December.

Even during the holidays, the need for blood is nonstop. But, it only takes less than an hour to donate blood that can save three local lives.

As a special thank-you gift for giving in December, each person who donates blood with Carter BloodCare will receive a brand-new fleece blanket, available while supplies last.

By donating blood this month, Texans help people involved in serious car accidents, heart surgery patients, children fighting cancer, organ transplant patients, mothers experiencing difficult childbirths, and older adults with age-related health issues.

“Many local families spend the holidays in the hospital, often waiting for blood that’s necessary for surgery or treatment,” said Andrea Sign with Carter BloodCare. “It’s literally within each of us to help these families by donating the gift of blood. It takes less than an hour to give someone a lifetime.”

Local drives upcoming include:

Nov. 27: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rangaire Manufacturing, 501 S. Wilhite St. in Cleburne.

Nov. 20: 1-6 p.m. at Burleson Recreation Center, 550 N.W. Summercrest Drive in Burleson.

Nov. 26: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Burleson Church of Christ, 1150 N.W. John Jones Drive in Burleson.

Nov. 28: Noon to 5 p.m. at H-E-B, 600 W. Henderson St. in Cleburne.

Nov. 28: 2-6 p.m. at Home Zone Furniture, 360 N.W. John Jones Drive in Burleson.

Dec. 2: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Joshua Seventh-day Adventist, 1912 Conveyor Drive in Joshua.

Dec. 3: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Westhill Church of Christ, 1100 Westhill Drive in Cleburne.

Dec. 11: 8 a.m. to noon at Chick-fil-A, 801 W. Henderson St. in Cleburne.

Dec. 12: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Burleson, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2750 S.W. Wilshire Blvd. in Burleson.

Dec. 13: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Owen Oil, 12001 CR 1000 in Godley.

Dec. 14: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Keene High School, 404 Charger Drive in Keene.

Dec. 14: Noon to 4 p.m. at Texas Health Huguley Fort Worth South, 11801 S. Freeway Drive in Burleson.

Dec. 14: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venus High School, No. 12 Bulldog Drive in Venus.

Dec. 15: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleburne High School, 850 N. Nolan River Road in Cleburne.

Dec. 17: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 100 S.W. Alsbury Drive in Burleson.

Dec. 28: Noon to 5 p.m. at H-E-B, 600 W. Henderson St. in Cleburne.

Dec. 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 12832 S. Freeway Drive in Burleson.

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