Media Contact: Mike Sagara
520-403-7408 | Mike.sagara@redcross.org

TUCSON, ARIZ, December 11, 2025 — The American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter Board, in partnership with Tiffany Circle members, will host a community blood drive to highlight the urgent and ongoing need for blood donations during the holiday season.

Blood donations often drop sharply this time of year due to holiday travel, school breaks, and winter weather, yet the need for blood remains constant. The Red Cross is encouraging community members to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life this holiday season.

“At Beads of Courage, we know firsthand the significance of blood donations,” said Jean Gribbon. “Every child who receives a transfusion earns a red bead for their Courage Necklace, and each year, we proudly send over 300,000 red beads to children across the country.”

Every donation helps patients facing life-threatening conditions such as cancer, sickle cell disease, childbirth complications, and traumatic injuries. A ready and steady blood supply ensures that lifesaving blood is available the moment it’s needed.

"We are proud to partner with Beads of Courage to support children facing serious medical challenges," said Courtney Slanaker, Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Chapter. "Every blood donation not only helps save lives, it also contributes to a child’s Courage Necklace, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the strength of our community coming together."

The blood drive will take place on December 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beads of Courage, 3301 N. First Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719.

In 2025 alone, generous donors across Arizona contributed more than 52,633 units of blood, offering hope and healing to patients and helping countless families stay together during times of crisis. This holiday season, the Red Cross hopes even more community members will step forward to continue that lifesaving momentum.

Media Availability
Please get in touch with Mike Sagara for media availability during the blood drive @ 520-403-7408 or email: Mike.sagara@redcross.org

Beads of Courage
3301 N. First Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
December 15^th, 2025

Spokespeople
Jean Gribbon – Founder and Chief Mission Officer of Beads of Courage

Kathy Bell – Kathy is a blood donor advocate and Red Cross Tiffany Circle member whose daughter took part in the Beads of Courage program.

Gale Petrillo – Board Chair of the Southern Arizona Chapter and blood recipient.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.