Santa Claus
He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. But did you know that he saves lives right here in the tri-state?! We caught up with the Jolly Old Man himself as he was donating platelets at Hoxworth Blood Center’s Western Hills location during this busy holiday season. Read more about why it’s so important to give the gift of life this time of year.
When Santa Claus takes a break from the North Pole, he is a regular donor at Hoxworth Blood Center. Santa visits the Western Hills location one to two times a month to donate platelets. Even during the holiday season, he makes it a priority to give the gift of life.
“Everything that’s going on at the holidays: all the holiday shopping, holiday dinners and time with family. Everyone just gets so caught up with all that busyness. But we still need donations and Hoxworth is the place to come.”
Santa has donated 30 gallons of blood or platelets with Hoxworth over the years. You could probably guess his favorite post-donation snack.
“I can smell the chocolate chip cookies when they’re being baked. Those are Santa’s favorite by far!”
Santa says he gets to visit local patients in the hospital during the holiday season to spread Christmas cheer. He says it’s important to remember that the need for blood doesn’t take a vacation; patients will spend the holidays in the hospital while many of us will be surrounded by friends and family at home.
“Just take a moment and say ‘You know what, this is the gift of life. I’m going to make sure I make a donation.’ And It’s going to get you on the nice list!”
It only takes an hour or less out of your day to donate whole blood (10-15 minutes in the chair) and up to two hours for platelet donors like Santa. You will save up to three local lives at Cincinnati area hospitals. Hoxworth needs 450 donors each day to supply more than 30 hospitals with blood products. From routine surgery to organ transplants, trauma and cancer patients, Hoxworth blood donors are saving lives close to home.
Santa’s wish for this holiday season is that you consider donating blood. If you’ve never donated before, the season of giving is a good time to start.
“Just take time to come out. Just one time at least and donate whole blood. You may end up liking it as much as I do!”
Make Santa’s wish come true this holiday season. Volunteer an hour to donate blood and help save up to three local lives. Appointments are available throughout the holidays, and every donation supports local patients at more than 30 Greater Cincinnati hospitals. Schedule your blood or platelet donation today and give the most meaningful gift of all: life.