Red Cross seeks blood donations

The American Red Cross and the National Football League are teaming up during January’s National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals — especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 — to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage, according to a Red Cross release.

Those who come to donate an opportunity to receive a special thank you this month. Those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles in 2022.

In addition, those who come to give Jan. 1-20, will also be automatically entered to win the “Big Game at Home” package for an awesome viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card to put toward food and fun. Terms and conditions apply to both contests.

To schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross, visit RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 800-733-2767 or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa. Santa Cruz County donation opportunities include:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday: Cabrillo College Gymnasium, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.

• 12:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 15: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Lovecreek Road, Ben Lomond.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 20: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 22: Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23: St. Philip’s Episcopal Chruch, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.