CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The American Red Cross urges individuals to donate to give lifesaving blood or platelets for the winter.

Donors who are type O are especially encouraged to donate to patients in need. The start of the year is a very difficult time to collect blood donations due to the dangerous driving conditions. On top of that, the flu season can also lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. Because of this, the Red Cross encourages donors to volunteer and save lives. During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross urges those to make appointments and donate blood for the winter.

The Red Cross is once again partnering with the National Football League for National Blood Donor Month to invite football fans and blood donors to work together to help patients in need. As a special thank you, those who donate from January 1 to 26, 2025, will be entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LIX giveaway.

According to a press release from the Red Cross, “The trip includes access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10, 2025), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.“

Champaign County blood donation opportunities are listed below:

  • 1/10/2025: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Urbana Rising Hope Church, 408 E. Illinois St 
  • 1/24/2025: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Illini Union, 1401 W Green St 

Interested individuals should visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.