LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2024 — The American Red Cross in partnership with the Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the family of Matt Johnson, presents the 24th Annual Matt Johnson Memorial Event Blood Drive on October 5 and 6. For the past 24 years, each October, Johnson’s family has come together to celebrate his legacy with a commemorative blood drive.

Matt, a junior lifeguard from Manhattan Beach, loved surfing and helping others. At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with leukemia and bravely battled the illness for two years before passing away in 2000. To keep his memory alive, Matt’s family, friends, and community members encourage people to donate blood and give the gift of life in his honor.

“Before Matt fell ill, I never truly grasped the immense significance of blood donations, despite my mom, Matt’s Granny, being a dedicated donor well into her senior years,” shared Thais Johnson. “It fills me with pride that this blood drive, held in such a public space, not only raises community awareness but also gathers lifesaving blood in Matt’s cherished memory.”

Join the Manhattan Fire Department, the family of Matt and the American Red Cross to honor Matt’s legacy and donate blood at the upcoming blood drive.

Donate blood in memory of Matt Johnson

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2023

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Fire Department

400 15th Street

Manhattan Beach

To give blood in memory of Matt, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code MattJohnson to make an appointment.

All who come to give blood Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Plus, automatic entry for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

How to donate blood

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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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.