KALAMAZOO (Dec. 23, 2023) – Just hours before embarking on his special delivery around the world, Santa made a special appearance today at an American Red Cross blood drive to give blood and spread holiday cheer.
Santa made his blood donation at the 38th annual Holiday Blood Drive in Kalamazoo.
Santa encouraged people to make time during the holiday season and throughout the year to roll up a sleeve and donate blood. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give to help others,” Santa said. “The only cost is your time. And you’ll feel good about it, knowing that you could help save a life.”
During his appearance, Santa mingled with donors and Red Cross staff, posed for photos, and handed out candy canes.
The hustle and bustle of the holidays, coupled with winter weather and seasonal illnesses like the flu, can impact the nation’s blood supply this time of the year. Maintaining a strong blood supply is critical to ensuring patients – new moms, premature babies, those receiving cancer treatment and accident victims – have access to lifesaving blood transfusions.
“We are extremely grateful to Santa and the community for coming out and giving blood today,” said Adam Castle, executive director of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. “Donating blood is truly a selfless act and the generosity of our donors give hope to patients who need and depend on the availability of lifesaving blood.”
The Red Cross hosted the blood drive at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in partnership with the Indiana Michigan Power Cook Plant. For the eighth year, the blood drive was 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.
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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 @MIRedCross.
