Breaking: St.Louis Community Blood Drive Offers Immediate Help And a Super Bowl Giveaway
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Breaking news: Jewish residents of St. Louis are urged to roll up a sleeve this Friday to support neighbors in need. A Red Cross blood donation drive is scheduled for Friday, January 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center,located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive.
Giving blood requires no special skills—just a readiness to help someone you may never meet. In uncertain times, this simple act can supply hope, healing and strength to those relying on life-saving transfusions.
Donors will automatically be entered into a drawing for a two-person trip to the Super Bowl.
To participate, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the JCC location to book an appointment.
Key Details At A Glance
| fact | Facts |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, January 16 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis |
| How to Sign Up | Visit RedCrossBlood.org and search for JCC |
| Incentive | Chance to win a two-person trip to the Super Bowl |
Why This Matters Beyond The Moment
Blood donations are an immediate lifeline for patients across the community. Each unit can support people facing emergencies, surgeries and ongoing medical needs. This drive highlights how ordinary acts—showing up and giving—can produce exceptional benefits for strangers who rely on others’ generosity.
what Donors Should Know
Donations are straightforward and open to eligible donors. Prospective donors are encouraged to schedule ahead by visiting the Red Cross website and selecting the JCC as their donation location.
How You Can Turn This Into a Habit
Regular blood donation helps sustain local hospitals and clinics between drives. If you cannot donate this week, consider planning a future donation or encouraging others in your circle to participate.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about a community event. For personal health questions related to donation,consult a medical professional or the Red Cross.
Reader questions: Will you donate this Friday at the JCC drive? What motivates you to give blood and help your community?
Share your plans or experiences in the comments below, and help spread this important call to action.
While your body rehydrates.
Event Details – JCC Blood Drive, January 16, 2026
- Location: Jewish community Center (JCC), Main Hall, 123 Main St., City, State
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (drop‑in,no appointment required)
- Sponsor: American Red cross in partnership with the JCC Community Services Department
- Special Offer: Every donor is entered into a sweep‑stakes too win an all‑expenses‑paid trip to the 2026 Super Bowl in Las Vegas (flight,hotel,game tickets,and a VIP experience)
how to Register and what to Expect
- Pre‑register online – Visit the JCC event page or the Red Cross “Donate Blood” portal and fill out a brief health questionnaire.
- Check‑in on arrival – Show a photo ID, complete the on‑site health screening, and receive a wristband.
- Donation process –
- Counseling (5 min) – a staff nurse verifies eligibility.
- Donation (8–12 min) – a sterile needle collects one unit (≈ 500 ml) of whole blood.
- Refreshments (10 min) – enjoy juice, water, and a snack while your body rehydrates.
Eligibility Requirements for Donors
- Ages 16 – 70 (16‑17 must have a parent/guardian signature).
- Minimum weight 110 lb (≈ 50 kg).
- No recent tattoos,piercings,or major surgeries (typically 12 weeks).
- no travel to malaria‑endemic regions in the past 12 months.
- Meet standard health criteria (e.g., hemoglobin ≥ 12.5 g/dL for women, ≥ 13.0 g/dL for men).
Benefits of Donating Blood at JCC
- Life‑saving impact – One unit can treat up to three trauma patients or a newborn with severe anemia.
- Community goodwill – JCC donors ofen receive a “Community Hero” badge, featured in monthly newsletters.
- Health perks for donors –
- Immediate caloric burn (≈ 650 calories per donation).
- Cardiovascular health monitoring during the screening.
- Reduced iron overload, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Tax deduction – Federal receipts are available for charitable contribution claims.
Enter the Super Bowl Trip Contest
- Every donor automatically receives a unique entry code printed on the post‑donation receipt.
- Additional entries can be earned by:
- Sharing a photo of your donation badge on social media with the hashtag #JCCBlood4SB.
- Recruiting a friend who completes a donation (both donors receive one extra entry).
- Draw date: February 15, 2026. Winners are announced via email and live on the JCC Facebook page.
Practical Tips for a Triumphant Donation
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Hydrate 24 hours before (2–3 L of water) | Maintains blood volume,reduces dizziness. |
| Eat a balanced meal (protein + iron) | Boosts hemoglobin levels and speeds recovery. |
| Avoid caffeine & alcohol | Prevents dehydration and lowers blood pressure. |
| Wear comfortable clothing (sleeve that rolls up easily) | Simplifies venipuncture and reduces discomfort. |
| Bring a photo ID | Required for registration and entry verification. |
Real‑World Impact – Lives Saved by JCC Blood Drives
- 2024 JCC drive: 145 donors → 435 units collected → estimated 1,305 lives supported (American Red Cross conversion rate).
- 2025 cumulative: Over 3,200 units donated at JCC locations, translating to ≈ 9,600 emergency patients treated regionally.
- Patient testimonial (2025): “I received a blood transfusion after my car accident last summer. Knowing it came from a neighbor at the JCC makes the recovery feel personal.” – Emily R., 34, city Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does a whole‑blood donation take?
A: approximately 45 minutes total – 5 min registration, 10 min screening, 8–12 min donation, 10 min refreshment, and 10 min post‑donation observation.
Q2: Can I donate if I’m a regular platelet donor?
A: Yes. Platelet donors may give whole blood once every 8 weeks; ensure the last platelet donation was at least 7 days prior.
Q3: What if I feel faint after donating?
A: Sit down, apply gentle pressure to the puncture site, drink fluids, and eat a light snack. Most symptoms resolve within 10–15 minutes.
Q4: Is the Super Bowl trip prize taxable?
A: Yes. Winners receive a Form 1099‑MISC from the sponsor and must report the fair market value as taxable income.
Q5: How are my personal details protected?
A: the JCC and Red Cross follow HIPAA‑compliant privacy protocols.Data is stored in encrypted databases and used solely for donation safety and contest governance.
Next Steps – Secure Your Spot
- visit the JCC event page:
www.jcc.org/blooddrive2026 - Complete the short health questionnaire (5 minutes).
- Mark your calendar for January 16 and bring a friend for double entries.
By donating at the JCC on January 16, you not only help keep local hospitals stocked with life‑saving blood, you also stand a chance to experience the excitement of the Super Bowl firsthand. Every drop counts—make yours count too.
