LOUISVILLE, KY (Dec. 16, 2025) – This holiday season, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyday heroes to share a gift that can’t be bought in a store – the gift of a lifesaving blood donation. With winter weather causing a decline this month in blood donations, help share the warmth with patients by rolling up a sleeve at the 48th annual Holiday Hero Blood Drive, Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UAW Local 862, 3000 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, KY 40213.

Make an appointment to donate at the 48th annual Holiday Hero Blood Drive by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code HERO. All who come in to donate will receive a Broaster chicken dinner and a specialty long-sleeved Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last.

Help people like Shelby Walcott of Louisville. In 2024, after having three daughters, including a set of twins, Shelby and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting their first son. By 18 weeks, however, Shelby started feeling abnormal pressure in her abdomen. Her doctor performed an ultrasound and discovered that Shelby had placenta accreta, a rare, serious condition. Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy complication that can lead to life-threatening bleeding during and after delivery. Shelby was admitted to the hospital in late October. During the delivery, Shelby experienced a massive loss of blood. “I started hemorrhaging faster than they could get blood into me,” said Shelby. She needed more than 100 blood products to save her life, hear from Shelby here. She spent Halloween and Thanksgiving in the hospital, but she was determined to make it home to celebrate the holidays with her children. With time, blood products, the help of the medical team, support of her family, and her own resolve, she was discharged in time for the holidays after spending nearly two months in the hospital. She is grateful for the blood donations that made her recovery possible.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: HERO 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.

*Offer applicable to presenting donors only during the following date(s) 12/22/2025 to 12/23/2025 and while supplies last. Offer subject to availability of donation opportunities in presenting donor’s area. No substitutions and not transferable. Not redeemable for cash.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.