GREENVILLE, SC (December 17, 2020) – Amidst the holiday season, and the COVID-19 pandemic, The Blood Connection (TBC), the local, non-profit, community blood center, has a special request for a different kind of gift this year. As the sole provider for over 80 hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, TBC is urging all eligible blood donors who are healthy and well for their immediate gift of a blood donation to their local community. The Blood Connection will kick-off the annual Holiday Blood Drive on Friday, December 18th. The holiday blood drive will run through December 24th. Donors will receive a $20 gift card and a special edition ‘Tis the Season long sleeved t-shirt as a thank you while supplies last.

Lower donor turnout due to inclement weather, holiday travel, and busy schedules makes the need for blood donations more critical throughout the winter months. While TBC is in an urgent need for all blood types, there is also a great need for convalescent plasma as the pandemic continues. Those who have recovered from COVID-19; or have tested positive for the COVID- 19 antibodies are able to give their gift of plasma and aid those currently battling the virus.

Donors can visit thebloodconnection.org/donate to find a blood drive. To find a TBC Center, please visit thebloodconnection.org/centers. Those wishing to donate convalescent plasma can visit thebloodconnection.org/convalescent-plasma or call 864-751-1168. TBC also welcomes businesses and organizations that may be able to host a blood drive. To sponsor a blood drive, call 864-751-3019.

The need for blood never stops, even during what is known as the most wonderful time of the year. Donors are needed to help save lives this holiday season. About The Blood Connection The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. Founded in Greenville, South Carolina, TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to more than 80 hospitals within Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.