SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (December 9, 2025) — This December, nonprofit Vitalant asks all who are eligible to schedule a blood donation appointment and help save lives. Busy schedules and travel during the late December holiday weeks typically lead to the lowest donor turnout of the year, but the need for lifesaving blood remains constant and critical for patients.
As an extra thank you for donating at this critical time of year, Vitalant is thanking December donors with the chance to win the Big $20,000 Giveaway*. One donor’s name will be drawn to win a prepaid gift card of their choice. Plus, those who donate from Dec. 14 – Jan. 4 and opt-in to Vitalant Donor Rewards will get a $15 gift card and a mystery item** from the Rewards store.
Donors of all blood types are needed this December, especially type O and platelet donors. Type O can help the most patients because of its compatibility. Platelets often help cancer patients, but maintaining that supply requires constant donations, because platelets must be used within a week of donation.
Giving blood in the coming days or weeks helps maintain a steady supply essential for patients battling chronic illness, undergoing surgery, or recovering from traumatic injuries.
Learn more and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, downloading the vitalant app, or calling 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Select Upcoming San Francisco Bay Area Blood Drives
Friday, December 19 – Concord, Concord Costco, 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Saturday, December 20 – San Francisco, Rainbow Grocery, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, December 20 – Vacaville, Brenden Theatres, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday, December 26 – Novato, Sports Basement, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, December 27 – Oakland, Temple Sinai, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Tuesday, December 30 – San Jose, East Valley Family YMCA, 9:00 AM – 1:15 PM
Eligible donors can also give at one of the six Vitalant donation centers in the San Francisco Bay Area or any of the other over 2 dozen community blood drives held each week.
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*Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/holidaygiveaway.
**Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/holidaydonorgift.
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise, and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering, and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission.
