ERIE — The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors.
This year the pandemic adds in another challenge in keeping the blood supply strong. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month.
Residents will have several opportunities to give at blood drives scheduled in February across the area.
As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give this February will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
Make an appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
• Emporium, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. — 5:30 p.m., Vets Club, 427 E. 3rd St.
• Johnsonburg, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., Holy Rosary Church, Holy Rosary Church, 606 Penn St.
• St. Marys, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Eldred, Feb. 4, 1 — 5:30 p.m., First Church of God, 142 Main St.
• Kane, Feb. 1, 12:30 — 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St.
• Smethport, Feb. 8, noon — 5:30 p.m., Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.
