The American Red Cross wants one thing for the holidays, blood donations

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The American Red Cross has a short Christmas list this year and it’s for you to go out and donate blood.

According to Don Hawkins, the Central and Southern Ohio Regional Communications Manager, the Red Cross sees a decline in crucial blood donations every holiday season. This is usually a result of the busy holiday hustle of traveling, gift shopping, and decorating, which keeps everyone busy. To help drive people to donate, the Red Cross is offering a special present if you get out to give blood.

“Right now, if you come and give blood through now, until January 4, you’ll get a cool Red Cross long-sleeve shirt. I, personally, I love these long-sleeve shirts,” Hawkins said. “So, I go and give blood every winter because A, I want to keep the supply strong and I want one of those shirts. So, that’s a really cool thing to get. You’ll also get the satisfaction knowing that you are helping save a life.”

The whole process, from checking in to walking out, is only an hour long process and if you’re afraid of needles, you’re not alone.

“I’m terrified of needles, myself, and our phlembotomist are the best in the business at this. They take care of every single person that comes in. They don’t take care of me just because I’m tv talking about them. They take care of every single person in there and let them know that they’re in great hands,” Hawkins said. “Like I said, I’m scared of needles, it’s something I do and I face that fear everytime I go give blood because I know my fear is nothing compared to the suffering that is going to be alliviated by a blood donation.”

You can find blood drives near you and schedule an appointment through their website at www.redcrossblood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.