red-cross

If you’ve been putting off giving blood, this winter season is as good a time as any to donate. The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood during this winter season.

Millions of people are expected to travel this holiday season, which means fewer donors are available, leading to a decline in blood and platelet donations, according to Red Cross officials. Additionally, adverse weather conditions and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving.

“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Red Cross Blood Services Communications Director Nick Gehrig in a statement. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”

Donors with all blood types are needed now and, as a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who give from December 22 to January 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

You can donate blood in Long Beach at the following dates, time and locations:

12/28/2016: 11:30AM to 5:30PM at St Barnabas Catholic Church | 3955 Orange Avenue
12/29/2016: 11:00AM to 5:00PM at Starbucks | 1788 East Willow
12/29/2016: Noon to 6:00PM at St Matthew’s Catholic Church | 672 Temple Avenue
12/29/2016: Noon to 6:00PM at Christ Lutheran Church | 6500 Stearns Avenue
1/8/2017: 8:00AM to 2:00PM at St. Cornelius Catholic Church | 5500 Warlow Road
1/15/2017: 8:00AM to 2:00PM at St. Cyprians Catholic Church | 4714 Clark Avenue

The Long Beach American Red Cross Donation Center is located at 3150 East 29th Street.

For more information or to find out where you can donate blood outside of Long Beach, visit the American Red Cross website here.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].