Red Cross urges blood and platelet donations as holiday demand rises; incentives offered in December
NEW JERSEY — With patient needs rising and holiday schedules typically reducing donor turnout, the American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this December. Blood types O positive, O negative and B negative are in especially high demand.
“Time is critical for patients this December,” the Red Cross said in announcing the seasonal appeal. “When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.”
December is recognized as National Month of Giving, and the Red Cross is encouraging residents to make blood donation part of their holiday tradition to help provide “hope and healing” to patients nationwide.
Those who donate between Dec. 8–18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Donors who give between Dec. 19, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
The Red Cross urges donors to “redefine the meaning of a gift bag” this month by making an appointment to give blood or platelets through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For those unable to donate, financial contributions can be made at redcross.org to support the organization’s mission.
How to donate
Appointments can be made via the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS, or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices. All blood types are needed.
Donors must present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification. In most states, donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. High school students and donors age 18 or younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
To save time, donors can complete their pre-donation reading and health questionnaire online through RapidPass® on the day of their appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or using the Blood Donor App.
