Give Thanks and Give Back: Help Patients Relying on Blood Transfusions Throughout the Holidays

As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to give thanks and give back by making a plan to give blood in the coming weeks.

This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather, and holiday celebrations often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products. When they give now, donors can ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood through the end of the year.

The public can schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, Candy Cane Lane, those who come to give blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. There will be 12 winners. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 1-17 will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Terms for both offers apply. See rcblood.org/Amazon. Candy Cane Lane features an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and is directed by Reginald Hudlin.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in December:

Big Sky

• 12/6/2023: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Montage Big Sky, 995 Settlement Trail

Bozeman

• 12/5/2023: 10 AM - 4 PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

• 12/8/2023: 10 AM - 3 PM, Ressler Motors, 8476 Huffine Lane

• 12/13/2023: 10 AM - 3 PM, Marsh McLennan Agency blood drive at Red Cross Bozeman Blood Donor Center, 221 E. Oak St., Suite 1F & 1G

Three Forks

• 12/7/2023: 12 PM - 6:30 PM, United Methodist Church, 124 2nd Ave. E.

Boulder

• 12/7/2023: 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Assembly of God, Life Church, 502 N. Jackson St.

Deer Lodge

• 12/13/2023: 1 PM - 6:15 PM, Deer Lodge Community blood drive at Deer Lodge Medical Center, 1100 Hollenback Lane

How to donate blood: A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.