Blood donations nationwide typically drop by more than one-third during the winter months
New York Blood Center (NYBC) is partnering with New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer to host a blood drive on Monday, December 29th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Donors who participate in the blood drive will receive their choice of a festive pair of socks or a beanie, as part of an effort to boost donations during the challenging winter season, a time when donations are typically down.
NYBC currently has just a three- to four-day supply of blood overall, leaving little margin for emergencies, severe weather or sudden spikes in hospital demand. Supplies of O-negative, O-positive and B-negative blood are critically low, with only a one- to two-day supply on hand, and donors are urgently needed.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
WHEN: December 29, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dayspring Community Center. 320 Walnut Street, Yonkers, NY 10701
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, and New York Blood Center representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
