Blood Drive In Westmont Set For Jan. 8

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in the Westmont section of Haddon Township this month as it faces a critical need for blood donors of all types, particularly Type O. It will take place at the Westmont Fire Department, 120 Haddon Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A blood drive will also take place at the Oaklyn Public School on Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The school is located at 136 Kendall Boulevard.

Blood and platelet donations of all types are needed, especially type O, according to the Red Cross. Holiday travel and severe winter weather often lead to a decline in blood donations. However, a patient’s need for lifesaving treatment doesn’t take a vacation or stop for nasty weather. Blood and platelets are needed every day for those receiving treatment for cancer and leukemia, accident and burn victims and surgical patients, among others.

Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets Jan. 1-19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to experience the Super Bowl live. The Red Cross and NFL have teamed up to offer one winner two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami, three-night hotel accommodations at The Alexander — All Suite Oceanfront Resort (Jan. 31 to Feb. 3), and a $500 gift card for expenses. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

"The Red Cross appreciates the NFL's support during this crucial time of year when every donation — and every donor — matters. We hope this may inspire some to make regular blood and platelet donation one of their New Year's resolutions," American Red Cross Biomedical Services Senior Vice President Paul Sullivan, said.