Charlotte, NC — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.
December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.
Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 18-31, 2025:
Burke County
Morganton
12/24/2025: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Walmart Supercenter Morganton, G120 Morganton Heights Blvd
Rutherford College
12/19/2025: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Crosslink, 400 Malcolm Blvd
Caldwell County
Lenoir
12/23/2025: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Dos Amigos, 528 Blowing Rock Blvd
12/27/2025: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Chick-fil-A Lenoir, 116 Wilkesboro Blvd SE
Catawba County
Catawba
12/18/2025: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Catawba Volunteer Fire Department, 5715 Hudson Chapel Rd
Conover
12/18/2025: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Conover Station Community Room, 403 Conover Station SE
Hickory
12/18/2025: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Valley Hills Mall, 1960 Highway 70 SE
12/22/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Highland Recreation Center, 1451 8th Street Drive NE
12/23/2025: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Valley Hills Mall, 1960 Highway 70 SE
12/31/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Valley Hills Mall, 1960 Highway 70 SE
Gaston County
Cherryville
12/18/2025: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church Cherryville, 107 W. Academy St.
Gastonia
12/17/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Lodge, 2000 Spencer Mountain Road
12/29/2025: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Belaire Health Care Center, 2065 Lyon St
Iredell County
Mooresville
12/18/2025: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Chick-fil-a mooresville, 457 river hwy
12/22/2025: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Good Soul Yoga, 236 Raceway Dr., #1
12/23/2025: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Victory Lanes Entertainment and Events Center, 125 Morlake Dr
12/26/2025: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Abberly Green Apartments, 117 Abberly Green Blvd
12/30/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Victory Lanes Entertainment and Events Center, 125 Morlake Dr
12/30/2025: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, 171 Fairview Dr.
Lincoln County
Denver
12/27/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lowe’s Home Improvement, 7144 NC-73
Lincolnton
12/26/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wal-Mart, 306 N Generals Blvd
12/28/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Ingles Market, 2130 E Main S
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Amplify your impact —volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
