Red Cross Offers Amazon Gift Card For Blood Donations: Upcoming Drives Near Richmond

RICHMOND, VA — Blood donation appointments have increased since the American Red Cross declared its first-ever blood shortage crisis, but winter storms have dampened momentum.

The number of Red Cross blood donors declined 10 percent since the pandemic began. Ongoing blood drive cancellations due to the pandemic and winter weather have complicated efforts. Hundreds of blood drives were canceled in January due to winter storms.

The Red Cross collects about 40 percent of the country's blood donation supply.

People who donate blood or plasma through the Red Cross during February will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

People who give blood or plasma during January will automatically be entered to win two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, California. The package includes round-trip airfare, entry to the official NFL tailgate event and three-night hotel accommodations, plus a $500 gift card for other expenses.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Richmond area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 1/21/2022: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., VCU Health Main Hospital, 1250 East Marshall St, 2nd Floor, The Meeting Center Conference Room A2-127 & 129 - Above of the hospital cafeteria (Richmond)
• 1/24/2022: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., St. Mary's Hospital-Bon Secours, 5801 Bremo Road (Richmond)
• 1/25/2022: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., St. Mary's Hospital-Bon Secours, 5801 Bremo Road (Richmond)
• 1/25/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., VCU Health Main Hospital, 1250 East Marshall St, 2nd Floor, The Meeting Center Conference Room A2-127 & 129 - Above of the hospital cafeteria (Richmond)
• 1/26/2022: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bon Air Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2071 Buford Rd. (Richmond)
• 1/27/2022: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., UNOS, 700 North 4th Street (Richmond)
• 1/31/2022: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Pace Center, 700 W Franklin Street, Next to VCU Brandt-Rhoads Residence Halls (Richmond)
• 1/31/2022: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Pentecostals of Richmond, 2200 Pickens Rd (Richmond)
• 2/1/2022: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Richmond's First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Avenue (Richmond)
• 2/4/2022: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, Beside Zale's accross from H&M back entrance (Richmond)
• 2/8/2022: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Historic Mankin Mansion, 4300 Oakleys Lane (Richmond)
• 2/10/2022: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., VCU Health Main Hospital, 1250 East Marshall St, 2nd Floor, The Meeting Center Conference Room A2-127 & 129 - Above of the hospital cafeteria (Richmond)
• 2/11/2022: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., VCU Health Main Hospital, 1250 East Marshall St, 2nd Floor, The Meeting Center Conference Room A2-127 & 129 - Above of the hospital cafeteria (Richmond)
• 2/11/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Richmond City Sheriff's Office, 1701 Fairfield Way (Richmond)
• 2/13/2022: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., St. Bridget Catholic School, 6011 York Rd (Richmond)
• 2/15/2022: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Downtown YMCA of Greater Richmond, 2 W. Franklin St. (Richmond)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to content@patch.com. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.