The upcoming holiday season is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks and holiday travel make blood donation less of a priority
KANSAS CITY – This December, Community Blood Center (CBC) is encouraging blood donations by providing festive holiday socks to every presenting donor in celebration of the holiday season. This promotion will be available from Thursday, December 21, 2023 – Tuesday January 2, 2024 for all donors who present at any of the CBC’s 8 donor centers, while supplies last.
“It’s no secret that the most wonderful time of the year is the holiday season and this year we are giving away festive socks to show our gratitude for those who have made blood donation a habit in their daily lives,” said Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations at Community Blood Center. “We hope this small token of our appreciation encourages blood donors to spread holiday cheer by giving the gift of life this December. While you may never know who you saved, your blood donation will have an immense impact and might be the greatest gift of all for a patient in need.”
The month of December is always a difficult time to collect blood donations, as school breaks, family vacations, holiday travel and cold weather all contribute to making blood donation less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. CBC has seen a 40 percent decrease in youth donors since pre-pandemic.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit savealifenow.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment call 877.468.6844, visit savealifenow.org.