BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to give thanks and give back by making a plan to give blood in the coming weeks.

This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather and holiday celebrations often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products. When they give now, donors can ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood through the end of the year.

The public can schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, Candy Cane Lane, those that come to give blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. There will be 12 winners. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 1-17 will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Terms for both offers apply.

See rcblood.org/Amazon. Candy Cane Lane features an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec.1-17:

BANNOCK

Lava Hot Springs

• 12/14/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Lava Senior/Community Building, 150 N. Center St.

Pocatello

• 12/6/2023: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pocatello Pet Lodge, 145 S. 3rd Ave.
• 12/7/2023: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., POW * MIA blood drive, Pocatello Blood Donation Center, 4155 Yellowstone Ave.
• 12/8/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pocatello West Stake Center, 3444 Hawthorne Road
• 12/12/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., ISU Student Union Pond Building, 921 S. 8th Ave.
• 12/12/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Portneuf Health Trust Inc, 500 South 11th Ave.
• 12/15/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 444 Hospital Way, Suite #300
• 12/15/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., ISU Student Union Building - Little Wood River Room, 921 S. 8th Ave.

BINGHAM

Blackfoot

• 12/7/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Christian Fellowship Church, 2550 Rose Road

BONNEVILLE

Ammon

• 12/8/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., City of Ammon, 2135 S. Ammon Road
• 12/14/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ammon Idaho Foothills Stake Center, 3934 E. 49th S.

Idaho Falls

• 12/12/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce at American Red Cross, 1165 E. 17th St.
• 12/13/2023: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Hampton Inn, 2500 Channing Way, sponsored by First Evangelical Lutheran Church
• 12/14/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Idaho Falls Eastview Ward, 2349 Virlow St.

FRANKLIN

Dayton

• 12/11/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., West Side:LDS Church, 825 North Westside Highway

JEFFERSON

Rigby

• 12/5/2023: 9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Rigby Idaho East Stake Center, 4021 E. 300 N.

Ririe

• 12/12/2023: 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ririe High School, 13809 N. 130th E.

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.