Red Cross Offers Gift Cards To Entice Folks To Donate Life-Saving Blood

The American Red Cross is putting a call out for the need for blood donations before the upcoming holiday season.

As folks get busier during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season, giving blood is a task that tends to drop down to the bottom of the to-do list.

Historically, because of this, blood supplies and stockpiles tend to drop, significantly, during this season.

"The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.

People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on transfusions in the weeks ahead."

To tempt folks to move donations back up to the top of the list, the American Red Cross is sweetening the pot by offering gift cards to all who donate blood during the month of November. (You can find more info about that here.)

"As a thank-you for taking the time to give this fall, all who come to give Nov.1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice."

Here is a list of some of the upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in the areas.

November 1st at the VFW Hall in Hampden from 1 PM to 5:30 PM

November 3rd at the K of C Hall in Lincoln from 1 PM to 6 PM

November 4th at Saint Peter's Parish in East Millinocket from 1 PM to 5 PM.

November 7th at the Narraguagus Jr/Sr. High School in Harrington from 2 PM to 6:30 PM.

November 8th at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge from 11 AM to 5 PM.

November 11th at the United Methodist Church in Orland from 12 PM to 5 PM.

November 14th at the Bangor Blood Donor Center from 12 PM to 5 PM.

You can also call ahead and set up an appointment to donate by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or going online to  RedCrossBlood.org.