The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to give one last gift this holiday season and discover the true meaning of giving by donating blood.
Busy holiday schedules and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can often mean fewer donors giving blood. But for patients with cancer or other illnesses or injuries requiring blood transfusions, the need for blood is constant and doesn’t get a holiday break. The gift of a blood donation only takes about an hour and can give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.
To encourage donations and show appreciation, all those who attempt to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2015, will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Eligible donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
In Moweaqua December 18th, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 7 Fox Meadow
In Mattoon 12/17/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., YMCA, 221 N 16th Street, P.O. Box 875
12/22/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., TitleMax, 700 Broadway East Suite 41
12/29/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Burgess Osborne Auditorium, 1701 Wabash Avenue
In Neoga
12/23/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 752 Walnut
In Altamont
12/19/2014: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Altamont Christian Church, 1351 S. Main
Dieterich
12/16/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Kluthe Civic Center, 102 W Virginia
Effingham
12/21/2014: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., St Johns Lutheran Church-Effingham, 901 W Jefferson
12/22/2014: 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Effingham Elks Club, 2102 S. Banker
12/31/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wal-mart, 1204 Avenue Mid America
In Farina
12/29/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Legion Hall, 301 W. Madison St.
In Herrick
12/30/2014: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Herrick Community Building, 11 Broadway Rd
In Sigel
12/29/2014: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St Michael Church - Sigel, Church Street
In Stewardson
12/16/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stewardson Community Building, 108 Pine Street
