(Photo By Flickr User yonolatengo)
With the holiday season in full swing, schedules are packed with festive activities and plans with family and friends. But for patients who require lifesaving blood transfusions, the holidays can be difficult.
To help ensure patients have the blood products they need this winter, the American Red Cross, WMBD 31 and WYZZ FOX 43 will host the 10th Annual 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive on Monday, December 23rd at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria, IL. All presenting donors will receive a free pair of Red Cross gloves and will be entered to win an hourly raffle item. Presenting donors will also be entered to win the grand prize of a $1,000 travel gift certificate from Alexander Travel to be used anywhere in the United States or Canada.
During the months of November, December, and January, fewer donors take time to give blood due to competing seasonal activities, celebrations and travel plans. But hospital patients don’t get to take a holiday from needing blood.
The 10th Annual 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive will be on Monday, Dec. 23rd from 7am-7pm at the Par-A-Dice Hotel located at 21 Blackjack Blvd. in East Peoria, IL.
Every donation offers hope to patients in need. Blood donors of all types are needed, especially O negative, A negative, B negative and AB.
The upcoming blood drive comes during the Red Cross’ Give Something that Means Something winter campaign, which runs through Monday, January 6, 2014, and encourages eligible donors to give something meaningful this holiday season by donating blood or platelets. Blood donors are also encouraged to invite a loved one to follow in their footsteps and donate blood. Visit http://rcblood.org/HolidayPostcard to upload a picture of a Red Cross blood donation and send a postcard to a loved one.
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.
