Season of Giving Starts From Within

Area residents can give at least three meaningful gifts this holiday season without visiting stores, browsing catalogs, or shopping on-line.

By donating blood through the American Red Cross in the next few weeks, community members can help save the lives of up to three people, and help offset the slump in blood collections that typically occurs around the winter holidays.

“The season of giving starts from within,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “We’re hopeful the holidays will inspire people to give the gift of life and help hospital patients who depend on steady, consistent blood collections year-round.”

Blood donations can taper off between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when people are busy with shopping, planning festivities or gatherings, community and family activities, or travel. Conversely, blood needs can increase as people injured in seasonal roadway accidents may require emergency transfusions. Regardless of the time of year, the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross needs about 500 people to come to donate blood every day to ensure an adequate supply of blood for patients in area hospitals.

“Your donation can take on extra meaning this time of year,” said Whitman. “What other gift can you give in about an hour that can help save someone’s life?”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
Monday, Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in the Social Hall, located at 6540 Central Ave. in Portage.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at the American Legion, located at 5675 Mulberry Ave. in Portage.
Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in the Community Room, located at 509 W. Division Road in Valparaiso.
Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 2 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Horizon Gymnastics Center in the gymnasium, located at 1254 Horse Prairie in Valparaiso.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.