Local Sports Calendar

Give thanks and give back: Donate blood or platelets

Help patients relying on blood transfusions throughout the holidays

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 14 – Dec. 31:

12/14: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Flora Church of the Nazarene, Route 50 and Parsons Lane, PO Box 343

12/18:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 112 Embarrass, Sainte Marie

12/18: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., YMCA-Vandalia, 710 Rock Island Avenue

12/19:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mason Christian Church, 624 North Route 37, Mason

12/19: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Kinmundy Community Center, 104 West 3rd Street

12/20:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Dieterich High School, 205 South Pine

12/21:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Effingham Event Center, 1501 West Fayette Avenue

12/21: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christ's Church of Flora, 200 North Olive Road

12/21: 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Neal Center YMCA, 130 Courthouse Square, Toledo

12/22: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Peter Lutheran School, 703 East 3rd Street, St. Peter

12/26: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Flora Depot, 223 West Railroad Street, Flora

12/27:  2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Michael Church, 200 North Church Street, Sigel

The American Red Cross urges donors to give thanks and give back by making a plan to give blood or platelets.

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 and platelets 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 that 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. 

How to donate blood 

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 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.