LOS ANGELES, September 29, 2025 — The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the family of Matt and Mike Johnson, proudly presents the 25th Annual Matt and Mike Johnson Memorial Blood Drive on October 4 and 5 at the Manhattan Beach Public Library.

This year marks a meaningful evolution of the event, now honoring both Matt Johnson, a beloved 12-year-old Junior Lifeguard who passed away from leukemia in 2000, and Mike Johnson, a cherished community leader and longtime board member of the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, who passed away from cancer last year.

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.

The blood drive continues to coincide with the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, a long-standing city tradition. With support from Mayor David Lesser, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, and Hometown Fair organizers, the drive is featured prominently in city literature and promoted as a vital community event.

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 and Mike Johnson

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Public Library

1320 Highland Ave

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, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19, 2025, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. 

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.

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.

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

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.

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