Join Red Cross at the annual Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive Dec. 27 - 30

PADUCAH, KY, Dec. 10, 2024 – This holiday season, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyday heroes to ring in the New Year with a lifesaving blood donation. Be the lifeline for patients in need by rolling up a sleeve at the near twenty-year annual Paducah Holiday Heroes blood drive Friday, Dec. 27 through Monday, December 30, 2024.

Drives will be held:
Dec. 27: Paducah Community, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY

Dec. 28: Paducah Community, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY

Dec. 29: Paducah Community, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY

Dec. 30: Paducah Community, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY

Record-breaking November travel is expected to carry into the new year, which could cause some potential donors to put off blood donation until after the holiday season. In addition to millions of Americans traveling to spend holidays with loved ones, extended vacations are also surging in popularity at a time when fewer people may be available to give lifesaving blood products.

“This time of year, we’re depending on the compassion of our community to remember that patients cannot survive without their generosity,” said Anthony Tinin, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross Kentucky Blood Services Region. “From traumas to ongoing cancer and sickle cell treatments, the need for blood does not stop. We invite all eligible blood donors to be a holiday hero for patients depending on lifesaving blood this season.”

Those who come to give Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment by entering in sponsor code: paducahcm.

Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.

How to donate blood
Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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 old and younger must meet certain height and weight requirements.

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, contact or 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.