KALAMAZOO (Dec. 10, 2024) – If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season, consider making an appointment with the American Red Cross to give blood.

The Red Cross will host its 39th annual Holiday Blood Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. Appointments are available between 7 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, coupled with winter weather and seasonal illnesses like the flu, can lead to lower donor turnout and make it tougher to keep sufficient blood products on hospital shelves. A strong blood supply is critical to ensuring people have access to lifesaving blood when they need it. 

“During National Giving Month in December, we’re inviting those who are eligible to give the gift of a blood donation,” said Becky Gaskin, interim executive director
of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. “When you give blood, you enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives."

Presenting donors who give blood between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

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.

The Holiday Blood Drive will be held in partnership with Concerns of Police Survivors. 

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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 follow us on social media.