The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood or platelets this December to maintain a steady supply during the holiday season. Blood types O positive, O negative, and B negative are in particular demand. December is recognized as the National Month of Giving, and the organization emphasizes that donations can bring hope and healing.
"Time is critical for patients this December," states the Red Cross. Donors can schedule appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate between December 8 and 18 will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card via email. From December 19 to January 4, donors will receive an exclusive long-sleeved T-shirt from the Red Cross while supplies last. More details on these offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
For those unable to donate blood, financial contributions are encouraged to support the organization's mission at redcross.org.
Upcoming donation opportunities are available throughout Knox and Licking counties from December 8 to 31. Locations include Centerburg Church of Christ in Knox County on December 9 and Daybreak Church in Etna on December 18. Below is the complete list.
Knox
Centerburg
12/9/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Centerburg Church of Christ, 3830 Columbus Road
Danville
12/9/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saint Luke Community Center, 7 W Rambo St
Gambier
12/10/2025: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Kenyon College, 101 E Brooklyn St
Mount Vernon
12/10/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Glenn A. Gallagher Centre, 1451 Gambier Rd.
12/16/2025: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Knox Community Hospital, 1330 Coshocton Avenue
12/16/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square
12/18/2025: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Moose Lodge, 417 W. High Street
12/24/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square
12/26/2025: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square
12/27/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square
12/29/2025: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Grand Hotel, 12 Public Square
_______________
Licking
Etna
12/18/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Daybreak Church, 1226 Pike Street
Granville
12/22/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd NE
Newark
12/8/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/9/2025: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Licking Valley High School, 100 Hainsview Drive
12/10/2025: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/11/2025: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/14/2025: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/15/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/16/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/17/2025: 10 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/18/2025: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/21/2025: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/22/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/23/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/24/2025: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/28/2025: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/29/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/30/2025: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
12/31/2025: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Newark OH Blood Donation Center, 225 N 21st St
Pataskala
12/19/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Tri Village Christian Church, 7509 E. Broad St SW
12/22/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Watkins Memorial High School, 8868 Watkins Rd. S.W.
12/26/2025: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., West Licking County Family YMCA, 355 West Broad Street
Utica
12/18/2025: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Utica Church of Christ, 115 N Central Ave
To donate blood, individuals must present a donor card or two forms of identification at check-in. Eligible donors are typically aged 17 or older (16 with parental consent where state law permits), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. High school students and younger donors must meet specific height and weight criteria.
The Red Cross also invites volunteers to serve as blood donor ambassadors or transportation specialists to help facilitate blood drives and deliver products to hospitals. Interested individuals can apply at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
The American Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region plays a crucial role in disaster relief, supplying about 40% of the nation's blood supply, teaching lifesaving skills, distributing international aid, and supporting military families.
For more information about their services or how to get involved, visit redcross.org or follow them on social media.
Information from this article can be found here.
