5 Blood Drives In The Lower Merion Area This Holiday Season

LOWER MERION, PA – We are officially in the throes of the season of giving. With holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa either upon us or nearing, being charitable is on most of our minds.

And what gift is better than the gift of life? You can donate blood to help save lives this holiday season, as there are multiple chances to do so here in the Lower Merion area.

Check out dates and times of upcoming blood drives below:

• 12/16/2017: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Memorial Church of God in Christ, 747 Buck Lane, Haverford
• 12/18/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 415 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore
• 12/20/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., The Woman's Club of Bala Cynwyd, 382 Bala Ave., Bala Cynwyd
• 12/20/2017: 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., American Legion Post No. 356, 80 Windsor Ave., Narberth
• 12/28/2017: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church, 130 Haverford Road, Wynnewood

Alison Wissen knows the power of blood donations. She received 22 units of blood products after experiencing complications during childbirth.

"I truly owe my life to blood donors," she said. "Even the skilled hands of my surgeons could not have saved me without the blood."

Because of blood and platelet donors, Wissen will celebrate the holidays with her three children and husband.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady.

During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give the most important gift – give blood and give more life.

All those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

You can make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Image via Shutterstock