Red Cross seeks blood donations heading into holiday week

The American Red Cross is asking for you to donate blood if you can, as it expects donations to dry up over the upcoming holiday week.

According to the agency, the Red Cross sees about a 21 percent decline in blood donations during holiday weeks, including the upcoming Independence Day holiday. The reduced blood supply makes it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it.

The agency is offering a free Red Cross cotton tote bag to anyone who donates between June 30 and July 10th, while supplies last.

Upcoming area blood drives include from 10 to 3 Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Goeller Boulevard in Columbus, from 10 to 3 on Wednesday, June 29th, at Breeden Realtors on Washington Street and from 9 to 2 on Friday July 1st at Developmental Services Inc. on 10th Street.

You can schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS