Give blood during holiday season
The perfect holiday gift is at your nearest American Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center. And, unlike the latest fashion trend, video game or golf club, it costs nothing but an hour of your time.
ěItís the season of giving and thereís one gift that wonít cost you a penny, but means the world to a patient in need,î said Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. ěBy donating blood, you can give someone an opportunity to spend another holiday with their loved ones.î
The need for blood is constant and doesnít pause for the holidays.
All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative, the universal blood type.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities (appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome):
Today, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. ń 4 p.m., American Red Cross, E.H. Dole Chapter, Sponsored by Rowan County Employees, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. West. Contact Malea Whitley 704-216-8104.
Today, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.ń7 p.m., China Grove Middle School, 1013 North Main St., China Grove. Contact Brad Taylor or the school office at 704-857-7038.
Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.ń 5:30 p.m., Stallings Memorial Baptist, 817 S. Main St. Call the church at 704-636-2052.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m. ń4:30 p.m., Salisbury Civic Center Holiday Blood Drive. Co-sponsored by the city of Salisbury, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. (Note: If you received a postcard regarding this blood drive, the number printed is incorrect). Call the American Red Cross at 704-633-3854.
Friday, Dec. 9, Rowan County USDA Agencies 8 a.m.ń12:30 p.m. The Rowan County ěAgriculture Center,î 2727 Old Concord Road. Contact Kathy Dudley at 704-637-1602 ext. 2.
Friday, Dec. 16, N.C. State Highway Patrol, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m., 5780 S. Main St. Contact Lenora Brady at 704-855-1047.
Saturday, Dec. 17, Tilley Harley-Davidson of Salisbury, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 653 Bendix Drive. Contact Kristy Dell or Frankie Bailey at 704-638-6044.
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1:30 p.m.ń5:30 p.m., J.F. Hurley Family-YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. Call Ann Coggin at 704-636-3331 or the Red Cross at 704-633-3854.
The schedule is subject to change. Call the office at 704-633-3854 for updated information.
Call 704-633-3854 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driverís license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.