During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring.
The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer donors to collect more than 12,000 blood donations and about 3,000 platelet donations every single day. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need.
As spring travel and activities fill calendars, volunteer blood donations remain essential to critical medical care. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
All who come to give April 14-30, 2025, will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. There will be three winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope.
In May, all who come to give May 1-18, 2025, will get a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, throughout May, those who come to give will be automatically entered to win a U.S. trip of choice for two. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/May.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 17-May 5
Orange County
Dana Point
4/17/2025: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern
5/1/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., City of Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo
Irvine
4/28/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Antis Roofing, 2649 Campus Dr
4/30/2025: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Woodbridge Association, 31 Creek Road
5/1/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chinese Baptist Church of Central Orange County, 12012 Yale Court
5/5/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Antis Roofing, 2649 Campus Dr
Laguna Hills
Red Cross Laguna Hills Blood Donation Center, 22971 Mill Creek Dr.
See RedCrossBlood.org for hours
Lake Forest
4/25/2025: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Anatolia Cultural Centers, 25351 Commercentre Dr
4/28/2025: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole
5/2/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 23262 El Toro Rd
Mission Viejo
4/29/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saddleback College Student Services Center 212, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy
5/1/2025: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Elk’s Lodge, 25092 Marguerite Pkwy
San Clemente
4/25/2025: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Baha’is of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente
San Juan Capistrano
4/27/2025: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Mission Basilica, 31520 El Camino Real
4/28/2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Residence Inn Marriott, 33711 Camino Capistrano
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.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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 follow us on social media.
Celebrate National Volunteer Month; come to give for exclusive Red Cross T-shirt through April 30
