![Give The Gift of Blood This Holiday Season And Help End Emergency Shortage](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2020/04/GettyImages-1138429580.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Give The Gift of Blood This Holiday Season And Help End Emergency Shortage
The holiday season is upon us, and I couldn't be more grateful; however, we must not let our guard down. The American Red Cross is begging for help amid an emergency blood shortage.
![KRFO-FM logo](http://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/KRFOFM.png?w=100)
The Red Cross is heading into December with its lowest blood supply in over a year. According to a news release from the organization, the pandemic contributed to a 34 percent drop in new blood donors from last year − "one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients."
Of course, it makes sense. Due to COVID-19, schools and colleges were not able to host blood drives, meaning people weren't reminded and encouraged to donate.
To make an appointment to donate blood, head to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All those who donate from Nov. 29 to Dec. 16 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email as a 'thank you.'
Steele County Blood Donation Opportunities:
Blooming Prairie:
Monday, November 29th, from 1 pm to 7 pm at the Blooming Prairie High School (202 4th Ave. NW)
Medford:
Friday, November 26th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Medford Outlet Center (6750 W Frontage Road)
Monday, December 13th, from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church (103 3rd St. SW)
Owatonna:
Friday, November 26th, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (2500 7th Ave. NE)
Monday, November 29th, from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the McKinley Elementary School (1050 22nd St. NE)
Friday, December 10th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Owatonna Hospital (2250 26th St. NE)
Wednesday, December 15th, from 12 pm to 6 pm at the United Methodist Church (218 E University St.)
To see more opportunities in the surrounding areas, head on over to RedCrossBlood.org.
Things To Know For Your First Time Donating Blood
More From KRFO-FM
![Ten-Digit Dialing Starts on Tuesday Across Southern Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2024/07/attachment-bruce-mars-FWVMhUa_wbY-unsplash1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here’s How to Watch Today’s Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2163080636.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What Things Would You Miss Most if You Moved From Minnesota?](http://townsquare.media/site/715/files/2021/06/attachment-state-fair.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![You Can Help, Minnesota Blood Donors Needed Now](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2020/05/GettyImages-1219849117.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Next Week in Owatonna](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2023/09/attachment-OWA-TONNA.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Celebrate the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Owatonna](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2023/09/attachment-OWA-TONNA.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Southern Minnesota Blood Donors Needed Now](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2022/11/attachment-luann-hunt-X20g2GQsVdA-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Blood Donors Needed Now in Southern Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/730/files/2022/11/attachment-luann-hunt-X20g2GQsVdA-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Hospital Asking Special Group of People to Come Forward](http://townsquare.media/site/715/files/2022/09/attachment-RS39272_RS5730_145836109-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)