Become lifesaving volunteer by giving blood with Red Cross

During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring.

The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer donors to collect more than 12,000 blood donations every single day. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need.

As spring travel and activities fill calendars, volunteer blood donations remain essential to critical medical care. Book a time to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give through April 30 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. There will be three winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for more information.

In May, all who come to give May 1 to 18 will get a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, throughout May, those who come to give will be automatically entered to win a U.S. trip of choice for two. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/May.