Red Cross of Southwest Michigan prepares for 39th Holiday Blood Drive

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Red Cross of Southwest Michigan will host its 39th annual Holiday Blood Drive on Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24.

The drive itself is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and the Red Cross says they hope to get at least 75 donations.

"The number one reason people don’t give blood is they weren’t asked," said Becky Gaskin, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Southwest Michigan. "So we’re asking you to think about giving the gift of life on Christmas Eve. What better day to do that?"

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December is the National Month of Giving, and one blood donation can help up to three people, according to Gaskin. Prior to News Channel 3's interview, Gaskin had given platelets and later found out her donation helped three people in Michigan.

"It’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just helped save a life today,'" explained Gaskin.

Gaskin told News 3 the entire donation process takes about an hour, and most of that is answering health questions ahead of time. She also explained the blood donation itself takes about five minutes.

The blood donated in Kalamazoo will stay local first, and then if need be, will be sent out to neighboring hospitals in nearby states like Ohio.

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The Red Cross of Southwest Michigan says you have to be at least 17 to donate. They ask that everyone set up an appointment ahead of time to avoid having to wait, but they will take walk-ins.

There are three ways to sign up for an appointment:

• You can call 1 (800) Red-Cross
• You can visit their website here
• And you can also download the Blood Donor App

Gaskin says the app will let you track where your donation goes and who it helps.

This year the Red Cross says they're working with the Concerns of Police Survivors to help families of fallen officers.

"Everyone knows someone who’s dealt with illness, or trauma or an accident," said Gaskin. "We don’t know if it’s going to be us or someone we love who’s going to be in that place that they need life-saving blood.”

Here's the information for this year's 39th Annual Holiday Blood Drive:

• Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24
• 7:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
• Radisson Hotel: 100 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo