Nov. 23. This year, the American Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year.

Locally, new blood donors fell 26 percent due to COVID.

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

‘Matrix’ party

As a thank-you, all those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening of the new film “The Matrix Resurrections” for the winner and 50 guests.

Bonuses

—Those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, thanks to Amazon. (Terms apply, additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/matrix.)

— Those who share the warmth and make a blood or platelet donation part of their Thanksgiving plans Nov. 24-28 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross holiday socks, while supplies last.

Background

The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in delta variant cases significantly challenged the nation’s blood supply heading into the fall. The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34 percent drop in new blood donors from last year—one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients.