American Red Cross encourages blood and platelet donations for the holidays 
‘Tis the season and everyone is searching for gift ideas that don’t break the bank. Despite the half-off or early bird sales, many people struggle to find the perfect gift.
“What if, for just one day, you forget the sales and choose to help save a life instead?” asks Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Donating blood or platelets can help save lives and only costs about an hour or two of your time.”
Red Cross officials say that if just 10 percent of Americans gave blood this holiday season, 34.2 million lives might be saved. That’s a deal everyone can appreciate.
Every day, regardless of the season, hospital patients need blood or platelets for the treatment of serious diseases like cancer, for lifesaving surgeries, or for emergency care related to accidents or trauma. In fact, one out of 10 patients entering the hospital needs blood.
“Your donation this holiday season is the perfect gift. It’s the gift that saves the day,” says Whitman. “Donate blood or platelets and give the gift of life. Your heart and countless hospital patients across the country thank you.”
More details on giving that perfect gift through the American Red Cross can be viewed at redcrossblood.org/theperfectgift.
Come to donate from December 6 through December 31 and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Friday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus in the Patio Room, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Friday, Dec. 3, from 7:30 am. Until 1 p.m. at Portage High School in the gymnasium, located at 6450 East Highway 6 in Portage. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
- Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Washington Evangelical Free Church in the gymnasium, located at 3805 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
- Monday, Dec. 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in the Social Hall, located at 805 Elm St. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, in the South Commons, Room 106 and 110, located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso. Come to donate and be entered into a drawing for one of two $50 shopping sprees. Please email agabbertstrang@ivytech.edu to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Friday, Dec. 10, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Northview Elementary School in the gymnasium, located at 257 Northview Drive in Valparaiso. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Saturday, Dec. 11, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Union Fire & Rescue, located at 267 North 600 West in Valparaiso.
- Sunday, Dec. 12, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in the gymnasium, located at 638 N. Calumet Road in Chesterton. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.