Red Cross blood drive

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – It’s the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean it has to stop after the holidays.

Red Cross Senior Account Manager Lori Gaitten said they will be holding a large blood drive the day after Christmas at Secrest Auditorium. She said the holidays always deplete their supply and they are hoping to replenish that day.

“We’re hoping to come out of there with 50 units which would translate into potentially 150 lives that would be touched by this one blood drive, so please come give,” said Gaitten.

Gaitten said everyone will need to bring an ID with them and that it’s important to eat before coming in to donate as well as drink a little extra water. She said most importantly though, anyone who is donating needs to be healthy.

“You do need to be healthy,” said Gaitten. “It’s very important that you feel well that day because whatever you have may be passed on to the person that’s receiving your blood through the transfusion.”

Gaitten said they will be at Secrest from 10 until 4 on the 26th and that anyone who donates will receive a long sleeved Red Cross shirt as well as a $5 Subway gift card. She said anyone interested in donating can schedule their appointment online at Redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RedCross.