American Red Cross

FULTON, Ill. (December 12, 2008) – With the holidays just around the corner, family and friends come together to share family traditions and the joy of the season. One local couple knows what it means make a family tradition of donating blood. Wilbert and Leola Behrens of Teeds Grove, Ia. recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary and are using the landmark to remind people to donate blood, especially during the holidays. Together, they have given more than 430 pints of blood.

The blood supply is particularly vulnerable throughout the holiday season because donors are traveling to see family and friends and forget to make an appointment to donate blood. Winter weather can also affect blood donations. Giving blood helps maintain the blood supply throughout the season, ensuring enough is on hand for patients with serious medical needs.

Many blood donors have reasons for giving: blood donation may be a family tradition like the Behrens, friends and family members have may have received blood or the feeling of making a difference in the lives of others. Whatever the reason is for giving, when giving blood donors play an extremely important role in helping to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available during the winter months.

Upcoming Holiday Blood Donation Opportunities
Tuesday, December 23 Old Fire Station, 912 4th St., Fulton 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday, December 24 American Red Cross, 112 W. 2nd St., Rock Falls
 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 American Red Cross, 112 W. 2nd St., Rock Falls 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Each drive will feature free t-shirts and calendars to all presenting donors as well as hourly raffle prizes.