SOUTHERN ILLINOIS -- As many prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and look ahead at a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood or platelets.
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months and the ongoing effects of COVID-19, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year − one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Missouri-Arkansas Red Cross Region has experienced a 13.4% decrease in new blood donors this year.
Make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, all donors from Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will get a $10 Amazon gift card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening for 50 guests of "The Matrix Resurrections." Those who make a blood or platelet donation Nov. 24-28 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross holiday socks, while supplies last.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities through Dec. 16:
Benton
12/1:12 p.m. -- 5 p.m., Franklin Hospital, 201 Bailey Lane
12/8: 2 p.m. -- 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main
West Frankfort
11/29: 1 p.m. -- 5 p.m., Weeks Chrysler Dodge Ram Fiat, 10756 IL 149
Carbondale
12/1: 11 a.m. -- 4 p.m., Southern Illinois University Carbondale SIU West Campus, Lentz Hall, 1275 Point
12/1: 1:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m., Newman Center, 715 South Washington
12/14: 1:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 303 South Poplar Street
Elkville
11/29: 12:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m., Christian Church, 112 South 2nd
Murphysboro
11/30: 2 p.m. -- 6 p.m., St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, 2 South Hospital Drive
11/30: 2 p.m. -- 6 p.m., Shawnee Amish Church, 559 Springdale Road
12/2: 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road
12/7: 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m., Egyptian Electric, 1732 Finney Rd
12/10: 4:45 a.m. -- 8:45 a.m., Penn Aluminum, 1117 North Second Street
12/10: 1 p.m. -- 5 p.m., Penn Aluminum, 1117 North Second Street
Pinckneyville
12/2: 1 p.m. -- 6 p.m., Columbian Club, 312 North Gordon
Carterville
11/30: 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., John A Logan College, 700 Logan College Road
12/16: 1:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m., Carterville Community Center, 120 North Greenbriar
Marion
11/26: 1 p.m. -- 5 p.m., Veteran's Airport, 10400 Terminal Drive, #200
11/30: 2 p.m. -- 6 p.m., Aldersgate Methodist Church, 1201 Fair Street
12/6: 2 p.m. -- 6 p.m., The Journey, 9835 Old Bainbridge Trail
12/9: 1 p.m. -- 6 p.m., Grange Hall, 9950 Grassy Road
12/15: 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m., Pepsi MidAmerica, 2605 West Main Street
