KALAMAZOO (Dec. 11, 2023) – As people make plans to celebrate the holidays, the American Red Cross invites those who are eligible to give blood to schedule  an appointment at its 38th annual Holiday Blood Drive.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, coupled with seasonal illnesses like the flu and winter weather, can impact the nation’s blood supply. Maintaining a strong blood supply is critical to ensuring patients have access to lifesaving blood transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets.

The blood drive, in partnership with D.C. Cook Power Plant, will be held from 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W. Michigan Ave., in Kalamazoo.

For the eighth year, the blood drive will be held in memory of Lisa Zuk, a Kalamazoo public safety  sergeant and generous blood donor who passed away in 2015 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. 

“The holidays are a time for family and festivities. It’s also a time to give back,” said Adam Castle, executive director of the Red Cross Southwest Michigan Chapter. “We’re asking donors to give something that means something. By giving blood at our Holiday Drive, you’ll be honoring Sgt. Zuk’s life as well as helping others who are in need of lifesaving blood.”

To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use code HolidayKalamazoo.

As a thank you, donors will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. Details available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon. Donors will also receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

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.