PERRYSBURG – Toledo’s WNWO NBC 24 is partnering with the American Red Cross this holiday season to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. The station will host their 16th annual Holiday Blood Drive Dec. 22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons.
All who come to donate will have their choice of a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt or poinsettia, courtesy of Hoen’s Garden Center. Donors will also enjoy special refreshments.
Busy holiday schedules, seasonal illness and winter weather can often disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients during the winter, making blood donation especially important this time of year. The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can affect the number of healthy donors available to give. In addition, winter weather can make it dangerous for donors to come out and give and can lead to blood drive cancellations.
Despite these challenges, the need for blood is constant. Blood donors of all types are urged to give and help meet the daily demand for blood products.
To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code WNWO or call 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 or 16 with parental consent in Ohio, 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.
Other blood drives:
Rossford
Dec. 30, noon-5 p.m., Rossford United Methodist Church, 270 Dixie Hwy.
Walbridge
Monday, noon-5:30 p.m., St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 300 Warner St.
