The American Red Cross is urging donors to give thanks and give back by making a plan to give blood or platelets. The organization says this time of year is traditionlly difficult on the country’s blood supply. Seasonal illnesses, winter weather and holiday celebrations reportedly lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout.
The Red Cross is offering incentives to encourage more blood donations. To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release of “Candy Cane Lane,” blood donors in December will be entered to win one of 12 holiday prize packages, including a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire television. In addition, anyone donating by Dec. 17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email. For more information, go online to rcblood.org/Amazon.
The Red Cross will have three area blood drives this Wednesday. Locations include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Western Hills Loop in Mountain Home from 1 to 5, Salem High School on U.S. Highway 62/412 from 10 to 2 and the American Legion Post 340 on Legion Lane in Lead Hill from 12:30 to 5:30.
The Red Cross will also be at Melbourne High School on Bearkat Drive Dec. 14 and the Boone County Library on West Stephenson Avenue in Harrison Dec. 15. Both drives will be from 10 to 2.
The Red Cross is also reminding potential donors they can give blood after receiving a vaccine against influenza or COVID-19. To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go online to RedCrossBlood.org, or call toll-free at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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