By Staff
Jason Cannon
Franklin County Times
The Russellville Fire Department is in the spirit of giving this holiday season – the spirit of giving blood.
Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said the department will sponsor its second and final blood drive of the year Dec. 12 at city hall from 1 to 6:30 p.m.
"We usually get anywhere from 30 to 35 units of blood at these drives," he said. " But we've had as many as 50 units. Fifty is the most we've ever got."
The American Red Cross encourages everyone to give hope to someone in need by donating blood or platelets during this "Season of Hope."
During the month of December, the American Red Cross is offering blood and platelet donors the chance to win a $1,000 gift card. Donors will also receive an American Red Cross long-sleeve t-shirt along with a matching baseball cap.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days.
Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.