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Get in the giving spirit with the Red Cross

Submitted

Mon, Dec 26th 2022 07:00 am

Long-sleeved T-shirt for blood and platelet donors through Jan. 2

Submitted by the American Red Cross

As the final holiday rush arrives, the American Red Cross asks donors to shake up their holiday plans and give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.

According to AAA, nearly 113 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, meaning many who may have otherwise given blood will likely defer their donation until the new year. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. The need for blood and platelets is constant.

It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all who come to give through Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities (through Jan. 10):

Erie County

•Amherst

  • Dec. 28, Jan. 4, 11, 18: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
  • Dec. 31: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive
  • Jan. 7: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, 885 Sweet Home Road

•Buffalo

  • Jan. 11: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road
  • Jan. 18: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

•Getzville

  • Dec. 27: 1-6 p.m., St Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Father Weber Center, 1700 N. French Road

•Grand Island

  • Dec. 27: noon to 5 p.m., Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Road

•Hamburg

  • Jan. 4: 1-6 p.m., Lake Shore Public Library, 4857 Lake Shore Road

•Lancaster

  • Jan. 6: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lancaster Elks Lodge, 33 Legion Parkway

•Orchard Park

  • Jan. 16: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 26 Thorn Ave.

•Tonawanda

  • Jan. 14: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Blvd.
  • Jan. 19: 2-7 p.m., Tonawanda Fire Department, 44 William St.

•West Seneca

  • Jan. 4: noon to 5 p.m., Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 630 Main St.

Niagara County

•Lockport

  • Dec. 30: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.
  • Jan. 10: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

•Niagara Falls

  • Jan. 16: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Cristoforo Colombo Society, 2223 Pine Ave.

•North Tonawanda

  • Jan. 11: noon to 5 p.m., Gratwick Fire House Co. No. 6, 110 Ward Road

•Youngstown

  • Dec. 27: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Youngstown Firehall, 625 3rd St.

How to Donate Blood

Simply download the American Red Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the blood donor app.

About the American Red Cross

The American 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 Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow on Twitter at @RedCross.

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