11/20/12 During the 2012 holiday season, the American Red Cross asks everyone to support its mission by giving something meaningful — giving hope to those in need.

Something meaningful like a blood donation is a gift that doesn’t cost a thing but can give joy and hope to a hospital patient in need. Every day, regardless of the date on the calendar, the Red Cross must collect approximately 17,000 pints of blood for patients. The need for blood remains constant during the holiday season, but busier schedules, holiday travel and other seasonal activities can leave little time to donate blood. Help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply this holiday by making an appointment to donate.

Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S., someone needs blood. The only way to provide lifesaving blood is through the generosity of donors who give an hour of their day to roll up a sleeve and donate.

“Only when volunteer donors make time to help save a life can we be sure that blood is available for those in need,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “Giving blood and to help others is a wonderful way to give something meaningful this holiday season. Please add making a blood donation to your holiday to-do list.”

Discover the true meaning of giving this holiday season by donating blood. All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply during the holidays, especially donors with type O positive, O negative, A negative or B negative blood.

Come to donate December 1 – 31 and be entered into a region-wide weekly drawing for a $250 gasoline gift card.

Upcoming Blood Drives

  • Monday, Dec. 3, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at LifePlex in the Conference Rooms, located at 2855 Miller Drive in Plymouth.
  • Thursday, Dec. 6, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in the Hall, located at 901 E. Jefferson St. in Plymouth. 

The Red Cross depends on donations of time, money and blood to provide hope, help and compassion every day. During the holidays and throughout the year, the Red Cross is hard at work in the community, whether collecting blood, providing disaster services, conducting health and safety training or connecting a member of the armed forces to home in times of need. The 2012 American Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign runs through the end of the year. People can support Red Cross services by making a financial donation, giving blood, or signing a holiday card for a member of the Armed Forces, through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Visit redcross.org/holiday to learn more.

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 permission 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.