New York Blood Center Will Thank Donors With Festive Socks

NEW YORK — A pair of cozy socks just in time for the start of winter sounds like the perfect holiday gift, but having a chance to save a life at a critical time for blood donations might be an even better gift.

During this month, the New York Blood Center (NYBC) is urging blood donations by providing festive holiday socks to every donor in celebration of the holiday season. This promotion will be available from Dec. 21 – Jan. 2, for all those who donate at any of the area’s donor centers and blood drives, while supplies last.

"It’s no secret that the most wonderful time of the year in New York City is the holiday season and this year we are giving away festive socks to show our gratitude for the New Yorkers who have made blood donation a habit in their daily lives," Andrea Cefarelli, Senior VP at the NYBC, said. "We hope this small token of our appreciation encourages our blood donors to come out and spread holiday cheer by making an appointment to give the gift of life this December. While you’ll never know who you saved, your blood donation will have an immense impact — it’s the greatest gift of all."

The NYBC says that the month of December is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations, holiday travel and cold weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. Hospitals and patients depend upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. The NYBC has seen a 50 percent decrease in youth donors since pre-pandemic times.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The FDA recently lifted certain blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit the NYBC website or call 1-800-688-0900.

To make an appointment, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the NYBC website. If you are unable to donate, you can still support the NYBC’s mission by texting "NYBC" to 20222 to donate $25.