Sterling blood donation locations announced

As people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.

From a record number of people expected to travel to seasonal illnesses and the potential for hazardous winter weather, it can be difficult for the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients during the winter months. When donors come to give the gift of a blood or platelet donation in December, the Red Cross will say thank you in the following ways:

• Thanks to Prime Video and its new film “Candy Cane Lane,” those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma through Dec. 31 automatically will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon.com gift card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV.
• Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma through Dec. 17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.
• Those who give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma from Dec. 18 to Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last.

Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Blood donation opportunities include:

Sterling

• Dec. 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sterling Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd St.
• Dec. 14: 2 to 6:30 p.m., Sterling Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd St.

Prophetstown

• Dec. 11: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 300 W. Third St.

Chadwick

• Dec. 28: Noon to 5 p.m., Chadwick Fire Department, 210 Calvert St.

Savanna

• Dec. 15: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive