NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is asking donors to give blood or platelets now to help maintain a healthy supply, particularly urging those with types O positive and B negative blood to make appointments to ensure lifesaving products are available when patients need them.
“People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by our Red Cross community and fans of PEANUTS,” the organization said in its announcement. This month, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS, the Red Cross is once again partnering with the beloved brand to thank donors.
Those who donate between Aug. 29 and Sept. 21 will receive a Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag containing one of four exclusive T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Some bags will also include golden tickets, redeemable online for all four shirts. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts.
The Red Cross noted that late summer often brings seasonal challenges, with shifting schedules, back-to-school demands, and the threat of severe weather making it harder for people to donate. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, about 1,500 blood drives were canceled nationwide due to weather, resulting in more than 40,000 lost donations.
New Jersey residents are encouraged to make and keep appointments where it is safe to do so, helping ensure blood is available for patients in need across the country.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices.
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. High school students and donors 18 or younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can save time by completing their pre-donation health history using RapidPass® at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or through the Blood Donor App.
