Make the Most of Your Gift
American Red Cross provides tips for good donation experience
Planning ahead is one way to take the stress out of holiday gift giving. And when you plan to give the gift of life through the American Red Cross, you can make the most of your donation experience by following a few simple tips.
“A lot of people say preparing for a great donation experience is just like preparing for a big event,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “That’s true, because helping to save a life is a truly remarkable thing to do.”
Getting a good night’s sleep, having a good breakfast or lunch, and drinking extra water and fluids can help ensure a successful blood donation. Donors are also advised to avoid eating fatty foods, and to eat plenty of food rich in iron and Vitamin C in the days leading up to the donation. Wearing comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow is also recommended.
“We also suggest that you spend 10 to 15 minutes relaxing in the refreshment area after your donation,” said Whitman. “It’s a way for you to rejuvenate by enjoying a drink and a snack, and to meet other donors who just helped save lives, too.”
Donating blood is simple, and takes about an hour from the time you arrive until the time you leave. That’s an hour, Red Cross officials say, that could amount to a lifetime for someone who needs blood for ongoing or emergency medical care.
“Blood is a gift that money can’t buy,” said Whitman. “It’s only something that one person can give to another. And that’s priceless.”
For details on giving the perfect gift this holiday season, visit www.redcrossblood.org/theperfectgift.
Come to donate from Dec. 6 – 31 and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card! In addition, all donors from Dec. 20 through Jan. 31 will receive a coupon for a free donut from Dunkin’ Donuts.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Sunday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Nativity of our Savior in the Fellowship Hall, located at 2949 Willowcreek Road in Portage. This Pint Size Heroes blood drive is sponsored by Blood of the Martyrs. Please call 762-4858 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Dec. 22, from noon until 6 p.m. at the American Legion, located at 5675 Mulberry Ave. in Portage.
- Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League in the Dining Hall, located at 1250 Crisman Road in Portage. Please call 983-2285 to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1507 Glendale Blvd. in Valparaiso.
- Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Horizon Gymnastics Center, located at 1254 Horse Prairie Ave. in Valparaiso. This is A Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
- Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in the Community Room, located at 509 W. Division Road in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a free American Red Cross stadium seat cushion. This “Blood of the Martyrs” blood drive is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
- Thursday, Dec. 30, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hopewell Mennonite Church in the Meeting Hall, located on SR 49 in Kouts.
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.