Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors For Holidays
WHITE MARSH, Md. (WJZ) ―While many are looking for presents on Black Friday, the American Red Cross is seeking the gift of life the day after Thanksgiving.
As Kai Jackson reports, the Red Cross is telling people to give blood now and you'll get a gift for your generosity.
"I think it's more important to be able to save a life during the holiday season then it is to go shopping and spend my money," said one blood donor.
Apparently so did other people who gave blood at the Red Cross in White Marsh on Friday.
The agency says donations are down and they need help.
"It's the holiday season and we know that we always experience a shortage of blood around this time due to people's busy schedules. Not being able to come out and give as much as we need yet the need for blood remains constant," said marketing manager Katie Turner.
The holiday season can be marked with both joy and pain. Accidents, trauma and other emergencies are common. Even scheduled surgeries require blood to save lives.
The Red Cross says they need about 1,000 units a day to keep up with demand.
A cookbook called "Cooking for Heroes" is the Red Cross' gift to those who donate blood between now and Dec.31.
"There are people out there that need greater things than iPADS or Nintendo Wii's. And there's always a blood shortage. People always need blood," said blood donor Jaime McGuire.
The Red Cross is using the holiday season to increase donations. The agency is sponsoring a light show at Adventure Park USA in New Market, Frederick County. All money raised will benefit the Red Cross in Maryland.
"What we're doing is, they've put together a one-of-a-kind drive-thru light show, and the proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross," said Red Cross spokesperson Mike Baisey.
The Adventure Park Light show runs through Jan.1, seven days a week. The show starts at 6 p.m.
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