As the holiday travel season peaks, the American Red Cross is asking residents to schedule a blood or platelet donation to help maintain a strong blood supply heading into 2026.
Donors with types O, A negative, and B negative blood are especially needed at this time.
With more people traveling and potential weather disruptions, donations can drop during a critical period when hospitals rely on a steady supply.
Giving blood before heading out of town is an easy way for local residents to make a lifesaving difference.
Upcoming local donation opportunities include:
Champaign County
- January 3, 2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., New Life Church of God of Prophecy, 736 Pindar Street, Urbana
Donors who give through January 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who donate between January 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors must bring a blood donor card or ID and meet basic health and age requirements.
For those unable to give blood, financial donations are another way to support the Red Cross mission at redcross.org.
Volunteers are also needed to help ensure blood drives run smoothly and to transport lifesaving blood products to local hospitals.
