As people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside time to give blood platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.
From a record number of people expected to travel to seasonal illnesses and the potential for hazardous winter weather, it can be difficult for the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients during the winter months, according to a news release from the organization’s Kentucky Region, which also serves southern Indiana.
When donors come to give the gift of a blood or platelet donation in December, the Red Cross will say thank you with several opportunities:
- Thanks to Prime Video and its new film “Candy Cane Lane,” featuring an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin, those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma through Dec. 31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon.
- Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma through Dec. 17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email. Details available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon.
- Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma from Dec. 18 through Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last.
Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.
The 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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
For information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org or find the organization on X @RedCross.