Early bird shoppers save 30 percent. Half-off sale starts today. Buy one, get one free ends Saturday.
 
'Tis the season and everyone’s searching for the perfect gift that doesn’t break the bank. The more money saved, the more there is to spend. Still, many of us struggle to find the perfect gift.
 
What if, for just one day, you forget the sales and choose to save a life instead? 

Donating blood helps save up to three lives and the only cost is an hour of your time. 

If just 10 percent of Americans give blood this holiday season, 34.2 million lives might be saved. Now, that’s a deal everyone can appreciate!
 
So, as you flip through circulars and scan retail web sites, take a moment to log on to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and make an appointment to give blood.
 
Your blood donation this holiday season is the perfect gift…the gift that saves the day.  Give life.  Your heart, your wallet and countless hospital patients across the country thank you!
 
Locally, you may give blood on the following dates:
Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middle Tennessee State University – Keathley University Center – located at 130 E. Main St. in Murfreesboro.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church located at 1307 N. Rutherford Blvd. in Murfreesboro.
Friday, Dec. 3, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church located at 210 N. Spring St. in Murfreesboro.
Saturday, Dec. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Heights Church of Christ located at 785 S. Lowery St. in Smyrna.
Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia Career Institute located at 1233 Commerce Park in Murfreesboro.
 
In addition, the Murfreesboro Donor Center located at 836 Commercial Court is open:
o        1st, 4th and 5th Sunday, 7 a.m. to 12 noon
o        Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
o        Tuesday & Wednesday, Closed
o        Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
o        Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
o        Saturday, 7 a.m. to 12 noon
 
Anyone who presents to donate blood at the Murfreesboro Donor Center Nov. 29 – Dec. 4 receives a red, long-sleeved “The Perfect Gift” t-shirt, while supplies last.
 
For your convenience, you may now schedule blood donation appointments online at www.redcrossblood.org.  You may also call 1-800-RED CROSS.
 
Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.  
 
How to Donate Blood:
Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.
 
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.