Give one last gift this holiday season, give blood
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the exchange of gifts among family and friends. But many hospital patients have a gift on their wish list this year that only generous hearts can give: a blood donation.
Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays subsides, the American Red Cross reminds people to give one last gift — give blood. A blood donation can be the most meaningful gift of the season.
As many as 44,000 blood donations are needed every day across the country to meet the needs of patients. Make an appointment to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Stearns County
Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. in St. Cloud, Minn.
Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. in St. Cloud, Minn.
Dec. 27 from 12-6 p.m. at St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. in St. Cloud, Minn.
Dec. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. in St. Cloud, Minn.
Dec. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 N. County Road 2 in St. Joseph, Minn.
Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St. in St. Cloud, Minn.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
