On Thanksgiving Day, people from St. James and surrounding areas will continue their annual tradition of showing thanks through blood donation. This blood drive, now in its 18th year, collects the most blood of any American Red Cross Thanksgiving Day community-sponsored drive in the U.S.
The drive is being held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, at the National Guard Armory, 521 Armstrong Blvd. N., from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Donors of all blood types and those who have never given before are urged to make an appointment to help protect the blood supply from dropping further this fall.
“Due to seasonal illness and the upcoming holidays, this time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply,” said Leah Pockrandt, Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Southwest Minnesota. “Before you gather with your family and friends, we’d be extra grateful if you could spare an hour to give blood to help prevent a shortfall in donations which may delay patient care.”
Rolling up a sleeve on Thanksgiving morning has become a holiday tradition for many over the past 17 years – collecting nearly 3,400 blood donations that have helped ensure a stable blood supply over the holiday season. As a special thanks, all presenting blood donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross knit beanie and a pumpkin pie courtesy of SuperFair Foods, while supplies last.
To schedule a blood donation appointment at the St. James Thanksgiving Day Blood Drive visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED-CROSS and use sponsor code: STJAMESMN.
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 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.