As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

Blood and platelet donations tend to drop more than 20% during holiday weeks, including the days around Thanksgiving. Seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather can add more concern during a time of year that is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply.

As a thank-you, all who come to donate Nov. 23-27 will get an exclusive Red Cross beanie, while supplies last. Thanks to our partners at Amazon, all donors who come to give blood Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Gift card by email.

Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ to find the blood drive nearest you. Upcoming events in the Icon readership area include:

Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Ohio Northern University McIntosh Center

Thursday, December 1, 2022, First Mennonite (Few or no appointments remaining)

Thursday, December 29, 2022, First United Methodist Church

Monday, January 9, 2023, Visiting Nurses & Hospice