You probably know there’s a critical need for blood donations – but you never know who you might meet when you give blood!

At the American Red Cross’s 17th Annual 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive in Peoria, special visitors showed up to donate last December: a Marine from Toys for Tots, the entire Hoosen family of 7 – spanning 3 generations – including their son who was a First Time Donor… and Santa himself! Over 300 donors gave 335 pints of blood, exceeding our goal.

Please consider giving the gift of life with a blood donation – you could save up to 3 lives with just an hour of your time. Check out redcrossblood.org and schedule today!

Written by Public Affairs volunteer, Virginia Hopley