CLEVELAND — It’s been almost a year since the American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage emergency. While their blood supply has stabilized throughout the year, the Red Cross says donations collected this holiday season are critical to avoiding another shortage in January 2025.

For two years, Meg Goetz has been giving her platelets every two to three weeks.

It’s a simple, selfless process that saves lives.

“By donating platelets, I can help three to four people for every platelet donation,” Goetz said.

This holiday season, donating blood, platelets or plasma is a priceless gift for someone in need. To encourage donations during this often difficult time of year, the Northern Ohio Red Cross is offering cash incentives to those who donate.

“Through the end of the week of December 15, donors will be emailed a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice simply for showing up to make a donation,” said Jim Mcintyre, Director American Red Cross Northern Ohio Regional Communications Branch. .

From December 16 to January 3, the Red Cross will also provide donors with long-sleeved shirts. These incentives are designed to help the organization address anticipated shortages in the new year, including platelet donations from January 6-12.

“Our platelet product has a very short shelf life, so we need our platelet donors throughout the year, but we just want to highlight them during this time to commit to donating on the dates we we need it most,” said Safeyyah Edwards, Supervisor Warzel Red Cross team.

Since donations are needed all year round, remember that the best gifts are always free.

“December with the cold weather, more people in the hospital, I don’t think there’s more cancer in December, but it’s a good time to give back to the world,” Goetz said.

Although walk-ins are accepted, the Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment.

If you’re a regular donor, they also encourage platelet donors to make two appointments during the holiday season. To make an appointment today, click here.

Donating blood takes about 45 minutes and donating platelets takes two hours.