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The Lockport Express will host a Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena.

All those who donate will get a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card.

Walk-ins are welcome, or for an appointment call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

The Lockport Express take the ice at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2016, beginning with National Blood Donor Month this month.

For the ninth year, the Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts will partner in January to help increase donations and reward generous donors during National Blood Donor Month. Through the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign, all those who come to give blood or platelets in January at Red Cross blood drives will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card.

National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancelations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

East Niagara donation opportunities will be held:

• Jan. 10: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Family Video, 76 East Ave
• Jan. 12: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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Jeanine Vecchio gives blood in the  Red Cross Bloodmobile on Saturday.  (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A Saturday afternoon blood drive by the Lockport Express and the American Red Cross nearly doubled the expectations of organizers.

In all, 35 units of blood were drawn over the four-hour drive held in the parking lot outside Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena. Organizers had hoped for 18.

Donations were rewarded with tickets to Lockport Express Jr. A hockey home games, gift cards and other offers from local restaurants and establishments.

The Red Cross says that blood donations often decline during December due to holiday festivities, seasonal illnesses and the weather.
Other upcoming blood drives include:

• Today: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• Monday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall  Community Center, 2737 Main St., Newfane
• Dec. 15: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Road, Barker

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The Lockport Express is giving hockey fans and local residents their own shot at a very important goal -- helping save lives.

The Junior A hockey team is asking community members to roll up a sleeve and give blood at a special American Red Cross holiday blood drive on Dec. 5.

"The Lockport Express hockey program is committed to giving back to the community and this blood drive is an outstanding opportunity to do so,” said Express Head Coach Frank Vecchio. “We are honored to be a part of this event and ask the community to get behind this as well to support a great program in the Red Cross."

The blood drive will take place from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 5 prior to the team's home game against the New York Aviators at Cornerstone CFCU Arena.

All those who donate at this blood drive will receive two tickets for any Lockport Express Jr. A hockey home game for the 2015-2016 season. Additionally, all presenting donors will also receive gift cards and other offers from local restaurants and establishments.

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BUFFALO -- The American Red Cross encourages individuals and organizations to give something that means something this winter by making a lifesaving blood donation or hosting a blood drive.

Blood donations often decline from now to New Year’s Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. Seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations

In addition, there are fewer blood drives during the winter months when many hosting organizations postpone drives while people are traveling for the holidays. Severe winter weather may also cause scheduled blood drives to be canceled.

Despite the busy holiday season and threat of extreme freezing weather, the need for blood remains steady. Organizations can help by hosting a blood drive during the winter months, and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.

Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about hosting a blood drive.

East Niagara blood drives being held during the first half of December include:

• Dec. 3: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. South Lockport Fire Company Inc, 5666 Transit Road
• Dec. 5: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cornerstone Ice Arena, 34 Chesnut St.
• Dec. 8: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• Dec. 14: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall  Community Center, 2737 Main St., Newfane
• Dec. 15: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Road, Barker

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BUFFALO – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood before the holiday season is in full swing.

Blood donations often decline from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. This often causes a drop in the blood available for patients. Donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help offset this seasonal decline.

Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.

East Niagara donation times:

• Nov. 10: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• Nov. 15: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Family Video, 76 East Ave

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BUFFALO — During Liver Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood and platelets to support liver transplant patients and others needing blood products.

Liver transplants are the second most common type of transplant with more than 6,000 performed in the U.S. each year, according to the American Liver Foundation. Liver transplant patients may require in excess of 30 pints of blood during surgery.

For blood donor Amy Slattery, the need for blood hits close to home. Her mother received a liver transplant and needed more than 70 blood products during the surgery.

“I donate to help others that needed blood like her,” said Slattery. “I donate in thanks to those who donate their blood products to help save lives.”

Volunteer donors like Slattery are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions during transplants and other surgeries. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, A negative, B negative and AB blood.

To make an appointment to donate blood, eligible donors are encouraged to download the new Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming local blood drives include:

• Friday: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., South Lockport Fire Company Inc, 5666 Transit Road, Lockport
• Oct. 12: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Newfane Town Hall  Community Center, 2737 Main Street, Newfane
• Oct. 13: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.., Lockport

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help their communities prepare for emergencies by giving blood during National Preparedness Month this September.

Becoming a regular blood donor is one way to help ensure communities are prepared for any emergency, including those where blood transfusions are needed. The Red Cross also encourages the public to get prepared by making a disaster plan for their homes or work places.

A sufficient blood supply is central to ensuring hospitals are prepared to meet patient needs in times of disaster, including the very personal ones that can happen any day. Because blood takes about 48 hours to be tested, processed and made available for patients, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save the day when emergencies occur.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients needing transfusions. The Red Cross needs blood donors of all types – especially those with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative – to give blood regularly.

Lockport blood drives will be held:

• Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Family Video, 76 East Ave.
• Sept. 22, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a sufficient blood supply now and throughout the summer.

Many summer activities, such as vacations and travel, cause frequent blood donors to be less available to give during the summer. However, hospital patients still depend on volunteer donors to receive lifesaving transfusions – the need for blood does not get a vacation.

Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

• July 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, 6485 South Transit Road (Free $5 Dunkin Card to all presenting donors)
• July 28, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross seeks eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give.

World Blood Donor Day highlights the constant need for donors – during the summer and throughout the year. Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car accident and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.

Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every day this summer is a chance to give hope. Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• 6/4/2015: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., South Lockport Fire Company Inc, 5666 Transit Road
• 6/6/2015: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Basil Toyota, 6175 South Transit Road
• 6/9/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• 6/14/2015: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 75 East Ave.
• 6/15/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St., Newfane

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

The Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as volunteer blood donors. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.

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BUFFALO —  The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to become everyday heroes by giving blood in celebration of Red Cross Month this March.

Since 1943, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month – a time to recognize those who support the Red Cross. Local communities depend on the Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• March 22: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 75 East Ave
• March 24: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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BUFFALO — During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood donors that it doesn’t take a cape or superpowers to be a hero. By donating blood, donors can become a hero for patients in need.

Red Cross Month is dedicated to the everyday heroes who support the Red Cross mission by giving blood, volunteering their time, learning lifesaving skills or making a financial contribution.

The need for blood is constant. The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes in communities across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors with all blood types are needed, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• March 1: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Family Video, 76 East Ave.
• March 3: 1 - 6 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Road, Barker
• March 10: 1 - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February.

Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.

All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• Feb. 16: 1-6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St.
• Feb. 23: 2-6 p.m., Middleport Fire Hall, 28 Main St.
• Feb. 24: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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In honor of Black History Month this February, and in the spirit of Dr. Charles Drew, an African-American surgeon who was the first medical director of the American Red Cross and a modern blood-banking pioneer, eligible donors as diverse as the patients who need their blood donations are encouraged to give blood to ensure a sufficient blood supply.

Blood from a donor with a similar ethnic background as that of the patient is less likely to cause complications, particularly for those patients whose chronic conditions require repeated transfusions. Sickle cell disease is one such chronic condition affecting as many as 100,000 people in the United States.

Prior to transfusion, blood type and Rh factor are matched between donated blood and the patient in need. In some cases, additional red cell markers in donated blood must be matched, as well. These markers are best found in blood from donors of a similar ethnicity.

With seasonal flu and inclement winter weather preventing many regular donors from giving, the Red Cross urges healthy, eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks. All blood types are currently needed to help maintain a diverse and sufficient blood supply, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• Feb. 5: 7 p.m., South Lockport Fire Company Inc, 5666 Transit Rd
• Feb. 10:  1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month in January.

National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that’s no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Unpredictable winter weather can result in blood drive cancelations, and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be constantly replenished to maintain an adequate supply for patients. Individuals who come out to give blood Jan. 1 through Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• Jan. 4: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Family Video, 76 East Ave.
• Jan. 6: 1 - 6 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Road, Barker.
• Jan. 13: 1 - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give something that means something this holiday season – a lifesaving blood donation.

Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations, but the need for blood remains steady. On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood products every day for patients across the country.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• Dec. 22: 2 - 6 p.m., Middleport Fire Hall, 28 Main St., Middleport. 
• Dec. 23: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

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The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give something that means something this holiday season – a lifesaving blood donation.

Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations, but the need for blood remains steady. On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood products every day for patients across the country.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• Dec. 4: 2 - 7 p.m., South Lockport Fire Company Inc, 5666 Transit Road
• Dec. 9: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• Dec. 15: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall  Community Center, 2737 Main St., Newfane

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BUFFALO — The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available for patients this holiday season.

Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of November for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with unique celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella.

Upcoming East Niagara blood donation opportunities:

• 11/16: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 75 East Ave
• 11/24: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rapids Volunteer Fire Company, 7195 Plank Road
• 11/25: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.
• 11/28: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., SNAP Fitness, 3976A Lockport Olcott Road

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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