Give Thanks By Giving Blood Through The Red Cross This Holiday Season

The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available for patients this holiday season.

Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and 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).

As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of November for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with unique celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella.

In Santa Cruz County:

11/19/2014: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Santa Cruz

11/21/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9 Felton

11/24/2014: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson St. Watsonville

11/29/2014: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Orchard Supply Watsonville, 1060 S Green Valley Rd. Watsonville

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 some states), 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.