During National Volunteer Month this April, the American Red Cross is celebrating the blood, platelet and plasma donors who help fulfill its lifesaving mission.
The Red Cross continues to urge healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give blood to ensure hospitals can meet patient needs.
Two blood drives will be held locally this month. A drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. in Sycamore. Another drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, 1325 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.
Donors should schedule an appointment and must wear a face covering or mask while donating. Social distancing will be employed.
As a special thank-you, those who donate in April will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at rcblood.org/Gift.
Donors must be at least 17, or 16 with parental permission (forms for which are available on the website), must weigh more than 110 pounds, and must bring a photo ID.
Go to redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 to make an appointment.