The leaves are changing colors and temperatures are dropping. One thing that remains the same is the constant need for blood. The American Red Cross asks donors to “Give Something That Means Something” for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card usable toward gas, rent, food or tickets to your favorite concert or sporting event.
The “Give Something That Means Something” promotion, which runs through Dec. 31, gives each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross a chance to win a $1,000 American Express gift card.
The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 103 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demands.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood or platelets to the Red Cross. Donors who are 18 years and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Organ Lutheran Church, Sunday, Nov. 4, 1-5:30 p.m.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic School, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2-6;30 p.m.
Christiana Lutheran Church, Sunday, Nov. 11, 1-5:30 p.m.
Salisbury Community at the E.H. Dole Red Cross Chapter, Monday, Nov. 12, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Franklin Baptist Church, Monday, Nov. 26, 2:30-7 p.m.
Catawba College, Thursday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-336-413-3311 or visit redcrossblood.org.