The upcoming holiday season is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks and holiday travel make blood donation less of a priority
MINNESOTA – This December, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is encouraging blood donations by providing festive holiday socks to every presenting donor in celebration of the holiday season. This promotion will be available from Thursday, December 21, 2023 – Tuesday January 2, 2024 for all donors who present at any of the region’s donor centers and blood drives, while supplies last.
“It’s no secret that the most wonderful time of the year is the holiday season and this year we are giving away festive socks to show our gratitude for the local residents who have made blood donation a habit in their daily lives,” said Kathy Geist, Vice President at Memorial Blood Centers. “We hope this small token of our appreciation encourages our blood donors to come out and spread holiday cheer by giving the gift of life this December. While you may never know who you saved, your blood donation will have an immense impact — it’s the greatest gift of all.”
The month of December is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. MBC has seen a 50 percent decrease in youth donors since pre-pandemic.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit mbc.org or call 1.888.448.3253.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1.888.GIVE.BLD (1.888.448.3253) or visit mbc.org.
