ST. LOUIS, Mo. — On the first day of fall, the American Red Cross is asking the public to start the season off with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation. While the leaves turn, the need for blood never changes. Those who give this fall play an important role in keeping the blood supply high enough to help patients counting on blood products for care– especially ahead of the busy holiday season. Book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering these exciting opportunities for donors:
All who come to give through Sept. 30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience, including two tickets to a 2023 Sport Clips Haircuts-sponsored race of the winner’s choice, round-trip airfare for two, up to a three-night hotel stay, and entry to a Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent, if available, plus a $750 gift card, thanks to Sport Clips.
Those who come to give in September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, also thanks to Sport Clips. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
All who come to give Oct. 1-31, 2022, will receive a $5 e-Gift Card by email to a merchant of choice.
Spotlighted Blood Drive: 16th Annual Caleb Nehring Memorial Blood Drive Oct. 1:
For the 16th consecutive year the American Red Cross is once again partnering with Leslie and Alan Nehring to host a blood drive in memory of their son Caleb, Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kirkwood Family YMCA, 325 N. Taylor, in Kirkwood.
In September 2005, Caleb was diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of childhood cancer. After completing one week of first grade, he spent the next 13 months receiving treatment, including surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and numerous blood transfusions. Caleb showed tremendous courage and strength until he passed away Oct. 1, 2006. This drive has collected 1,398 blood donations over the past 15 years, with a high water mark of 132 in 2018. This year 130 donations are expected. When making an appointment enter/mention sponsor code CALEB.
River Region Blood Donation opportunities:
Sparta
10/4/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., VFW Post 2698, 1911 North Market Street
Steeleville
10/4/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Hall, 305 South Chester