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Murfreesboro, TN - Think outside the box this holiday season. The perfect gift is at your nearest American Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center. And, unlike the latest fashion trend, video game or golf club, it costs nothing but an hour of your time. When you donate blood, you give the perfect gift – another hug, another laugh, another smile, another chance – to someone in need of blood.

 

“It’s the season of giving and there’s one gift that won’t cost you a penny, but means the world to a patient in need,” said Tim Ryerson, CEO, Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “By donating blood, you can give someone an opportunity to spend another holiday with their loved ones.”

 

It only takes about an hour to donate blood. In that hour, you can unwrap a lifetime of memories for hospital patients in your community and across the country. The need for blood is constant and doesn’t pause for the holidays. By taking time to donate this winter, you can help the Red Cross ensure a stable blood supply for all patients who need blood products.

 

All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

 

You are invited to give blood on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 11AM to 4 PM at The Avenue Murfreesboro located at 2615 Medical Center Parkway.

 

All presenting blood donors receive a holiday inspired long-sleeve shirt.

 

In addition, the Red Cross is proud to present “The Perfect Gift,” a video highlighting the importance of blood donation. We hope it inspires you this holiday season and beyond. To view “The Perfect Gift,” click here.

 

Click here to schedule an appointment to donate blood at The Avenue on December 21. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger.

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.