Super busy this holiday season?

Make time amid your hectic schedule to go to an American Red Cross blood drive through Jan. 10 and you may end up the super lucky individual to win a trip to the “Big Game” in Miami.

A local upcoming Red Cross blood drive will be Monday, Dec. 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 2101 S. Third St., in Ironton.

The 100-county Greater Alleghenies Region of American Red Cross Blood Services is offering an NFL Championship Game prize package as part of its Hope-Joy-Celebrate campaign.

Individuals who present to donate blood or platelets in the Greater Alleghenies Region through Jan. 10 are automatically entered into a drawing for a 2010 NFL Championship Game packages for two, including game tickets, airfare and accommodations.

One winner will be drawn from among registered donors in the local blood region during this time period; drawing participants must also be at least 18 years of age or older, in compliance with state regulations. For additional information, visit www.redcrosslife.org.

Susie Wade, donor resource marketing specialist, noted that currently the Greater Alleghenies Region’s blood inventories stand at barely a two days’ supply of O negative.

She said that although demand for blood products continues during the holiday season, blood supplies often dwindle due to decreased donor turnout.

“Holiday activities, vacations and the possibility of inclement weather may result in decreased donor turnout, resulting in tight blood supplies for patients in need. Yet patients’ blood needs continue 365 days of the year, and we ask the community to keep us prepared,” Wade said. 

She explained that nearly four of 10 people may be able to donate blood, and do so as often as every 56 days.

Presenting donors will also be automatically entered into a $500 daily gift card drawing.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

“Many individuals taking medication for chronic conditions may continue to donate blood,” Wade said. “Those with specific eligibility questions should call 1 (800) 542-5663 and ask to speak to someone in Collections.”

Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.