Give blood or platelets, give patients time this holiday season

By Editor | December 11, 2025 |

ST. LOUIS — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative, and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.

During the winter months, the chance of severe winter weather can compound an already challenging time for donors to be able to come out and give. In fact, this week’s winter weather caused hundreds of blood donations to go uncollected.

December is the National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.

Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something, and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 11-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 12-31, 2025:

Madison

Alton

12/16/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Alton Memorial Hospital, One Memorial Drive

12/23/2025: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., The Great River Ascend Hotel, 3559 College Ave

Edwardsville

12/16/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Edwardsville YMCA, 7348 Goshen Road

12/18/2025: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Moose Lodge 1561, 7371 Marine Rd. (Rte 143)

12/22/2025: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas

12/31/2025: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m., Main Street Community Center, 1003 N Main St

Glen Carbon

12/12/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Sports Academy, 101 The Game Dr