Thanksgiving marks the start of the annual American Legion Holiday Donor Blood Drive that lasts through Dec. 31. Legion Family members are encouraged to give blood and host blood drives at posts as part of The American Legion Blood Donor Program – an organizational effort that has existed since 1946 to help a lifesaving cause.
During the 2019 membership year, the Legion's Consolidated Post Report showed that the holiday blood drive brought in over 70,000 pints of blood from more than 50,000 donors nationwide.
The American Legion Blood Donor Program honors those departments that best participate in blood-donation efforts, recognizing departments in two areas: for post participation and individual Legionnaire participation. Post participation awards are given to departments with the highest number of participating posts. Individual participation awards are given to departments with the highest percentage of individuals giving blood to the program.
For information on how to donate blood, visit:
- American Red Cross, www.redcrossblood.org
- American Association of Blood Banks, www.aabb.org
- Council of Community Blood Centers, www.givingblood.org
Posts interested in hosting drives can set up a blood drive by visiting the Red Cross' blood drive registration page.
