For many, watching the classic holiday movie “Elf” has been a heartwarming tradition for 20 years. This November, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition as the holiday season begins: Spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation.
Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near, a time Red Cross officials point out blood donations often decline. Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film “Elf,” and to create holiday cheer, all who give blood before Nov. 30 will receive an exclusive pair of “Elf”-themed Red Cross socks, while supplies last. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Elf.
Two blood drives are planned this month in West Plains to help the Red Cross meet collection needs: From 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22, Cedarhurst of West Plains, 1521 U.S. 63, will host a blood drive, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28, a drive will be held at First United Methodist Church, 503 W. Main St.
In Arkansas, a drive will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Highland High School, 1 Rebel Circle, Hardy. Events will also be held in Mtn. Home from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Baxter Health, 624 Hospital Drive; from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the same day at Baxter County Library, 300 Library Hill Lane; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24 at Real Life Church, 1326 Rossi Road.
Those wishing to help patients receive lifesaving transfusions can book a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-276).
Donors are reminded to get a good night’s sleep; eat a healthy meal with iron-rich foods such as eggs, meat, spinach and maple syrup; and hydrate by drinking an extra pint of water. A photo ID is required for all donors.
