As the final holiday rush arrives, the American Red Cross asks donors to shake up their holiday plans and give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.

According to AAA, nearly 113 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, meaning many who may have otherwise given blood will likely defer their donation until the new year. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. The need for blood and platelets is constant.

It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all who come to give Dec. 16 – Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 21 – Jan. 2:

Canoga Park

12/29/2022: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Westfield Topanga, 21710 Vanowen St.

Panorama City

12/28/2022: 8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Mission Community Hospital, 14850 Roscoe Blvd.

Studio City

12/30/2022: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Avalon Bay, 10945 Bluffside Dr.

Tarzana

12/27/2022: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd.

Van Nuys

12/29/2022: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mid Valley YMCA, 6901 Lennox Ave.

Woodland Hills

12/29/2022: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.

12/30/2022: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.

12/31/2022: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.

1/1/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.

1/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.

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.