MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 12, 2023) — Give something that means something…give blood. Join the American Red Cross at the 38th Annual Madison Holiday Blood Drive, on Dec. 22nd, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison.
Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Free parking will be available.
Dave Barman, who lives in Waunakee, has been a volunteer at this drive every year for 38 years, beginning with its inception in 1985. When asked why he started volunteering with the blood drive his answer was simple “Someone asked me to help,” said Barman.
Barman who is known for sporting a Santa hat, is full of energy and a love for helping people and giving back during the holiday season. “You can’t find a better location in the Madison area during the holidays that exhibits holiday cheer,” said Barman. “Donors are anxious to start their holiday by giving back in a positive way.”
Throughout the years, Barman says he has seen familiar faces at the drive, including people who volunteer and those who come out to donate blood every year, as a part of their holiday tradition. He might not know all their names, but he knows that they all have one thing in common – giving back to help others in need.
While the need for blood is constant, unfortunately the supply isn’t – especially around the holidays, when blood donations typically decline due to busy schedules, holiday travel and seasonal illnesses. “The holidays are a busy time for many people,” said Kyle Kriegl, Executive Director for the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross. “As a result, we often see blood donations decline around this time of year, so we’re especially grateful to everyone who steps up and makes the time to come out and donate at this drive.”
The 38th Annual Holiday Blood Drive is the largest one-day blood drive in the Wisconsin region, with more than 700 community members rolling up a sleeve to help save lives each year.
Special thanks go out to our sponsors WKOW 27 News, Audacy Madison – 105.5 Triple M, 94.9 WOLX, Mix 105.1 and Krupp General Contractors for helping to sponsor the blood drive.
Donors can make someone’s holiday wish come true when they give blood. The Red Cross has teamed up with Prime Video in honor of their film Candy Cane Lane, featuring an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin. All who come to give blood in December will automatically be entered to win one of 12 prize packages! Each package includes a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV! Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 18-Jan. 5 will get a legendary long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while they last!
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
