On Black Friday, all holiday shoppers will be given the opportunity to have their gifts wrapped for free when they make a blood donation at participating Blood Assurance donor centers. The organization encourages those in the community to help local patients in need of blood this holiday season by making a donation that can save up to three lives across the region.
Participating Blood Assurance donor centers include the Gunbarrel location, near the Target Shopping Center and across from Chick-Fil-A, as well as the North River location in Hixson, across from Hobby Lobby between Lowe's and Home Depot. The gift wrapping will be available from
9 a.m. until noon.
“Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, and we hope that community members will take a break from shopping to make a blood donation while we wrap their gifts for them,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. “This holiday season, we are encouraging folks to give the gift of life to patients who are in critical need of blood across the area. We cannot thank our donors enough for giving back to their community.”
Throughout the holiday season, Blood Assurance is calling on community members to become “holiday heroes” to local hospital patients. Traditionally, blood donations are lower during the holiday season due to people travelling, sickness and winter weather advisories. The organization encourages all who are able to donate during the holidays, to consider taking 45 minutes out of their day to make a life-saving donation.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. For questions about donating blood, please call (423)-756-0966.