ST. JAMES, Minn. — The American Red Cross is encouraging the public to make giving blood part of their Thanksgiving holiday tradition. For the 21st consecutive year, community members are invited to roll up a sleeve and give a potentially lifesaving gift during the annual Thanksgiving Day Blood Drive in St. James.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 27, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the National Guard Armory, 521 Armstrong Blvd. N. Donors of all blood types — including those giving for the first time — are encouraged to schedule an appointment to help ensure a stable blood supply during the busy holiday season.

“Increased travel, festive activities, seasonal illnesses and full holiday schedules can disrupt normal donation routines, leading to a seasonal drop in appointments,” said Melanie Tschida, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Serving Southern Minnesota. “Before gathering with loved ones, we invite donors to give thanks by giving blood — a simple act that helps prevent delays in patient care.”

This St. James tradition consistently collects more blood than any other community-sponsored Red Cross Thanksgiving Day drive in the United States.

For St. James resident Dale Busch, rolling up a sleeve on Thanksgiving has become part of his holiday tradition. Busch began giving blood in 1959, motivated by a college biology professor who offered extra credit for donating. More than six decades later — and after donating 188 units of blood — he still makes time each Thanksgiving to give back before sitting down to dinner with his family.

“One year I went to the blood drive without an appointment, and the line was long — I didn’t want to miss family time,” Busch said. “The staff suggested a Power Red donation so I could give right away.” While the process takes a bit longer than a whole blood donation, it allowed him to donate immediately and help twice as many patients by giving two units of red blood cells.

For Busch, giving blood is about gratitude and community. “It’s the thing to do,” he said. “I’ve made it a habit — it’s just part of my Thanksgiving routine. Some of us won’t be around forever, so it’s important to keep the tradition going.”

As a special thank-you, all presenting donors will receive a pumpkin pie courtesy of SuperFair Foods, while supplies last. Additionally, those who come to give between Nov. 17 and Dec. 7, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN® socks and a custom GASHAPON® collectible (while supplies last).

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — a reminder that the need never takes a holiday. Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

How to donate blood
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.

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 American Red Cross Serving Southern Minnesota supports communities in the counties Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Jackson, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona, and Yellow Medicine as well as the Lower Sioux Indian Community and Upper Sioux Community, Pezihutazizi Oyate and Prairie Island Indian Community. 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/SouthernMN.