41NBC partners with Red Cross for Thanksgiving Week Blood Drive

41NBC is partnering once again with the American Red Cross to help save lives this holiday season

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The annual Thanksgiving Week Blood Drive returns Nov. 25–29, offering several opportunities for people across Central Georgia to donate.

The Red Cross says the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving are traditionally one of the toughest periods for the nation’s blood supply. Busy holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses and winter weather often lead to fewer appointments and lower donor turnout. That drop makes it difficult to keep up with the ongoing demand for blood products in hospitals.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, the most requested by medical teams during emergencies.

To date, 41NBC’s partnership with the Red Cross has helped collect more than 1,974 units of blood. This year, the goal is to collect 130 more units to support patients in need.

As a special thank-you, donors who give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma between Nov. 17 and Dec. 7 will receive a pair of limited-edition Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks, while supplies last. Donors during that same period will also receive a custom Red Cross x PAC-MAN GASHAPON collectible.

Appointments can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using the sponsor code 41NBC.

Blood Drive Locations

• Nov. 25: 2–7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Centerville, 108 Church St., Centerville
• Nov. 25: Noon–5 p.m., Allied Arts – Allen’s Market, 101 Floyd L. Griffin Jr. St., Milledgeville
• Nov. 26: 11 a.m.–3 p.m., American Red Cross of Central Georgia, 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive, Macon
• Nov. 28: 1–6 p.m., Sardis-Heard Funerals & Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon
• Nov. 28: 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin
• Nov. 28: 1–6 p.m., Hart’s Mortuary, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray
• Nov. 29: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., American Red Cross, 364 Corder Road, Warner Robins

Eligible donors must bring a blood donor card, driver’s license or two forms of identification. Those 17 and older (16 with parental consent where allowed) who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be able to donate.