By Mary O’KEEFE

As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the American Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. 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% 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. Locally, the Los Angeles Red Cross Region has experienced a 44.6% decrease in new blood donors this year, according to an American Red Cross statement.

The Red Cross is asking those who are eligible to give blood or platelets to help ensure patients can enjoy all this season has to offer.

Those who donate blood between Nov. 29 and Dec. 16 will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a private screening of the new film “The Matrix Resurrections.” The winner will not only get a private screening for his/herself but will also be able to invite 50 guests.

In addition, all of those who donate blood between Nov. 29 and Dec. 16 will be given an Amazon $10 gift card, courtesy of Amazon. The gift card will be given via email. Terms apply and additional information can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/matrix.

Those who make a blood or platelet donation part of their Thanksgiving plans from Nov. 24-28 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross holiday socks (while supplies last).

Appointments to give blood or platelets can be made by using the Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.

Scheduled local Red Cross blood drives will be held in: Altadena on Nov. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 2889 N. Lincoln Ave.; Burbank on Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Joslyn Adult Center, 1301 W Olive Ave.; on Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way; on Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista Ave.; Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 29 noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 1 noon to 6 p.m. at Burbank’s AMC City Walk, 125 E. Palm Ave.: at on Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way; Glendale on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to. 4 p.m. at Glendale Masonic Lodge, 244 N. Maryland Ave.; La Cañada Flintridge on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lutheran Church in the Foothills,

1700 Foothill Blvd.; Pasadena at the Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Ste. 103 – variety of times and dates available; see www.redcrossblood.org for complete list; and on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Armenian Educational Benevolent Union, 1060 N. Allen Ave.