By 1812Blockhouse
As the holiday season fills calendars with gatherings, travel, and year-end obligations, the American Red Cross is sounding a quiet but urgent call. Blood donations tend to drop this time of year, even as accidents, surgeries, and medical emergencies continue without pause. What makes the difference is not what happens tomorrow, but what is already on the shelf today.
Right now, donors with O positive, O negative, and B negative blood types are especially needed to keep the regional blood supply steady through the holidays and into the new year.
Why December Donations Matter
December is National Month of Giving, and few acts have a more immediate impact than donating blood or platelets. Hospitals rely on a stable supply to respond quickly when the unexpected happens. Weather, travel delays, and packed schedules can all disrupt donation patterns, which is why consistent donors are so critical this month.
A single donation can help multiple patients, from trauma victims to cancer patients to those undergoing routine but lifesaving procedures.
Incentives for Holiday Donors
To thank donors during this busy season, the Red Cross is offering two limited-time incentives:
Those who donate by December 18 will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card delivered by email.
Those who donate between December 19 and January 4 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved t-shirt, while supplies last.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Making an appointment is straightforward and helps ensure a smooth experience. Donors can schedule by:
Using the Red Cross Blood Donor App
Visiting RedCrossBlood.org
Calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Appointments are encouraged, especially during the holidays, when donation slots can fill quickly.
Upcoming Local Bloodmobile Drives
Several blood drives are scheduled across the area in the coming weeks, offering multiple opportunities to give close to home.
Saturday, December 20
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
Monday, December 22
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
Tuesday, December 23
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Marvin Memorial Library
29 W. Whitney Avenue, Shelby
Wednesday, December 24
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
YMCA
750 Scholl Road, Mansfield
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
Saturday, December 27
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
Monday, December 29
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
Wednesday, December 31
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Ontario Center
2209 Richland Mall, Ontario
A Gift That Reaches Beyond the Season
It is easy to think of holiday giving as something wrapped, baked, or mailed. Blood donation is quieter, less visible, and far more enduring. For someone in an emergency room or recovering from surgery, it can be the difference between waiting and surviving.
Creating a new holiday tradition does not require adding more to the to-do list. Sometimes it means showing up, rolling up a sleeve, and giving something only you can give.
