Need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays – donors needed

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States. Individuals are urged to give a lifesaving gift this holiday season by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets and help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients throughout the holiday season. Those with type O blood are especially needed.

On Sept. 28, 2018, MaKenzie Schienebeck experienced a complication during her pregnancy and found herself losing blood extremely fast. She was in and out of consciousness and felt her life slipping away. Schienebeck was given blood transfusions on the way to the hospital, during emergency surgery and after surgery. 

“I would not be alive today if it was not for the American Red Cross and the gracious donors who gave their blood,” said Schienebeck. “Blood is more than just blood. It’s the key to saving lives.”

During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give blood and be the lifeline patients need. Make an appointment now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In thanks for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give blood or platelets now through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.)

In Tioga County a blood drive will take place on Dec. 9, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Newark Valley Fire Department, located at 7151 State Route 38; on Dec. 19, a blood drive will take place at the Elks Lodge, located at 223 Front St. in Owego, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and on Dec. 6, from 1 to 6 p.m., a blood drive will be held at the Waverly United Methodist Church, located at 158 Chemung St. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Broome County include the following. On Dec. 10, a blood drive will take place from noon to 6 p.m. atBinghamton University Old Union, 511 West Dr., Union Hall/Mandella Room; on Dec. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Binghamton University Old Union, 511 West Dr., Union Hall/Mandella Room; on Dec. 20, from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Airport Corporate Center cafeteria, 33 Lewis Rd. in Binghamton; on Dec. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at UHS Binghamton General Hospital, 10-42 Mitchell Ave. in Binghamton; on Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 1606 State Route 12 in Binghamton; on Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at American Legion Post 1194, 363 W. Service Highway in Binghamton; on Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southern Tier Harley Davidson, 1152 Upper Front St. in Binghamton; on Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Red Cross Chapter / Endicott Battle of the Badges, 620 East Main St. in Endicott; on Dec. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sarah Jane Memorial United Methodist Church, 308 Main St. in Johnson City; on Dec. 30, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakdale Mall, located at 601-625 Harry L Dr. in Johnson City; on Dec. 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at Five Mile Point Fire Company, located at 16 Crescent Dr. in Kirkwood; and on Dec. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Vestal United Methodist Church, located at 328 Main St. in Vestal.

For more information, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.