Boston, MA -The American Red Cross urges people to leave a lasting impact by giving blood or platelets now. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, are needed to keep the blood supply steady ahead of the holiday rush.

As we lean into fall activities, keeping blood and platelet donation appointments on the books is crucial to ensuring hospitals have the tools they need to care for patients this fall. In thanks, all who come to give Oct. 19-Nov. 22, 2026, will get up to $20 in Gift Cards, that's a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email and 500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for details.

Some upcoming local drives:

November 19, Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, 1-6 p.m.

November 4, 11, Milford Regional Medical Center,14 Prospect St., Milford

November 10, Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham, 12-5 p.m.

December 5, St. Mary's School, 1 Pleasant St., Franklin, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.