The American Red Cross is reminding people to give blood before the hectic holiday season.
Blood donations typically decline during the holidays because of travel, seasonal illnesses and the weather, according to a Red Cross spokesman.
It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year, according to the Red Cross.
Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming Red Cross blood drives in Wyandotte County include:
- Bonner Springs, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the YMCA, 2251 S. 138th St., Bonner Springs.
- Kansas City, Kansas, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Cabelas, 10300 Cabela Drive.
- Kansas City, Kansas, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, South Branch, 3104 Strong Ave.
According to the Red Cross, all who come to give blood through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email from Amazon. Those who come to give blood Dec. 16 to Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.