Community Calendar

Protect the blood supply by donating

The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or platelets now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays. 

People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on transfusions in the weeks ahead. 

Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives:

Thursday, Dec. 1^st from 1:00-5:00, KC Hall, 707 Van Buren, Newton

Monday, Dec 5^th from 1:30-5:30, Holy Cross Church Wendelin, 5782 Ingraham Lane, Wendelin

Monday, Dec. 5^th from 12:30-5:30, Greenup Village Building, 115 East Cumberland St.

Wednesday, Dec. 7^th from 8:15-2:00, Altamont High School, 7 South Ewing

Friday, Dec. 9^th from 8:30-2:00, Newton High School, 201 West End Ave.

Friday, Dec. 9^th from 9:00-2:00, The Equity, 201 W. Roadway Ave., Effingham

Tuesday, Dec. 13^th from 2:00-6:00, Dieterich High School, 205 S Pine

Tuesday, Dec. 13^th from 1:00-5:30, Grace United Methodist Church, 752 Walnut Ave., Neoga

Thursday, Dec. 15^th from Noon – 5:00, Flora Church of the Nazarene, Route 50 and Parsons Lane

Thursday, Dec. 15^th from 1:00 – 5:00, Connection Church, 2230 US Route 40, St. Elmo

Monday, Dec. 19^th from 2:00-6:00, St Mary of the Assumption Church, 112 Embarrass, Sainte Marie

Wednesday, Dec. 21^st from 1:00-5:00, Neal Center YMCA ,130 Courthouse Square, Toledo

Thursday, Dec. 22^nd from 1:00-5:00, Effingham Event Center, 1501 W. Fayette Ave.

Friday, Dec. 30^th from 11:00-3:00, Effingham Community Drive @ Blood Donation Center, 603 Eden Ave. (usually closed on Fridays) 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.