Red Cross Urges Winter Blood Donations
The holidays bring families and friends together to share in celebrations and special times of giving. But for families dealing with a cancer diagnosis or other major illness, the holidays can be difficult.
The American Red Cross’ Give Something that Means Something winter campaign runs through Jan. 6, 2014, and encourages eligible donors to give something meaningful this holiday season by donating blood or platelets for hospital patients in need.
“Historically, during the winter months of November, December and January, fewer donors make the time to give blood due to competing seasonal activities, celebrations and holiday shopping,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “By doing something that doesn’t cost a thing, you can give an amazing gift – you can offer hope to a patient in need.”
Blood donations can help fathers like Larry. Larry’s premature twins needed blood to survive. Thanks to the Red Cross, it was there. Larry has been a blood donor for more than 20 years and every time he donates, he’s reminded of the opportunity he has to give something that means something.
Blood donors are encouraged to invite a loved one to follow in their footsteps and donate blood this holiday season. Visit http://rcblood.org/HolidayPostcard to upload a picture of a Red Cross blood donation and send a postcard to a loved one. For more information or to make an appointment to give blood or platelets, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
- Monday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Westville High School in the Small Gymnasium, located at 207 E. Valparaiso in Westville. Come to donate and receive a coupon for one free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
- Tuesday, Dec. 3, from noon until 6 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in the Fellowship Hall, located at 101 St. John Road in Michigan City.
- Friday, Dec. 6, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the LaPorte Presbyterian Church in the Fireside Room, located at 307 Kingsbury Ave. in LaPorte.
- Monday, Dec. 9, from noon until 6 p.m. at the First Church of God in the gymnasium, located at 2020 E. Lincolnway in LaPorte.
- Monday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church in the gymnasium, located at 2005 E. Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City.
- Monday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. until noon at Curves, located at 412 Perry St. in LaPorte.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the YMCA in the Multipurpose Room, located at 901 Michigan Ave. in LaPorte.
- Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army, located at 3240 Monroe St. in LaPorte.
- Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Family Video, located at 1505 Lincolnway in LaPorte.
- Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. until noon at Hanna United Methodist Church in the Hall, located at 101 W. Hopper St. in Hanna.
- Sunday, Dec. 15, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Conservation Club House, located at 1 Mill Pond Road in Union Mills.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 (16 with parental consent in Indiana and Ohio), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.