Celebrate the season by giving blood or platelets

Long-sleeved T-shirt for coming to donate through Jan. 3

With just a few days left in 2024, the American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets now to help those in need enjoy the rest of the holiday season with loved ones. Donors with type O negative blood and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now so patients can continue to receive the care they count on in the coming weeks.

This is a busy time for many. In addition to travel, seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather can also lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it tougher to keep the blood supply stable. Those who give regularly and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to take one hour this December to help save lives with a blood or platelet donation.

Those who come to give Dec. 16–Jan. 3 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-26 during National Blood Donor Month will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Details are available at RedCrossBlood. org/ SuperBowl.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Greenwood: Jan. 16. 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., K & S Logistics, 111 East Miller St.

Neillsville: Jan. 7. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court St.

Making and keeping donation appointments can help keep the national blood supply strong enough to weather winter challenges now and into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)