American Red Cross hosting holiday blood drive Wednesday in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — The American Red Cross will host a holiday blood drive Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Marriott, 1200 Collins Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. With winter’s arrival, the Red Cross encourages healthy individuals to consider donating blood. Disruptions such as busy holiday schedules for donors and winter weather can negatively impact blood donations. Now is an important time to consider giving blood to help the Red Cross meet the needs of patients.

For those looking to give back to their community, the Red Cross has many volunteer opportunities. High priority positions include Disaster Action Team members and Blood Donor Ambassadors, but the Red Cross has roles that can fit any individual’s interest, skills and availability.

Disaster Action Teams are the first line of help for people who experience a disaster, most often home fires. Volunteers offer a caring and compassionate ear as they meet the disaster-caused needs of individuals and households, such as lodging and clothing, and connecting them with long term recovery services.

Blood Donor Ambassador volunteers engage donors by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information, and supporting them through the recovery process at the refreshments table. The special attention provided helps create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support.

There are even virtual positions that allow volunteers to serve from the comforts of their homes. Find out more about all of the volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.