LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The American Red Cross is beginning its annual Holiday Hero Donorama Blood Drive in Louisville.

This is the 47th year for the drive, and dozens of donors were waiting to give blood Thursday when the doors opened at the UAW Local 862 on Fern Valley Drive.

"People need it," said Earl Hornung, who was waiting to donate Thursday. "It helps people out, and people need it."

Donorama blood donations

The Red Cross is hoping to get 300 or more donors to give blood in Louisville between Thursday and Friday. Dec. 26, 2024. (WDRB Photo)

The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27, at the UAW Local 862 on Fern Valley Road in Louisville. The Red Cross said its goal is to have more than 300 donors over the course of both days.

Donors will receive a Broaster chicken dinner and a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last. Donors will also be entered into a drawing to win an Apple Watch Series 10.

The Red Cross said donations typically decline during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. However, organizers said that 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States from Christmas to New Year's Day.

"That helps us provide our blood products to hospitals that may have emergencies that come up, as well as treatments with Sickle Cell Disease or cancer patients over the Christmas holidays, because those things never stop," said Amber Youngblood, a spokesperson for Kentucky's division of the American Red Cross.

You can schedule an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting the Red Cross website by clicking here, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767).

Donors must have a blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of ID when they check in. 

For more information about donating blood, including age requirements and other restrictions, click here. 

To find a blood drive near you, click here.

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