Donate Blood, Get A Gift Card Or T-Shirt In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA — The American Red Cross urged donors to give blood or platelets in March to continue to strengthen the national blood supply.

The organization announced new incentives for residents who give the gift of blood in Escondido.

"During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care," the Red Cross said in a news release.

Escondido residents can help. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O blood donors and platelet donors, according to the Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation's blood.

Residents who donate blood by March 24 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of their choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards.

In addition, the Red Cross has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the new film, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." Residents who donate blood between March 25 and April 7 will receive an exclusive "Godzilla x Kong" T-shirt, while supplies last.

The Red Cross has planned blood drives across San Diego County, including in Escondido. See a list of upcoming San Diego area blood drives below.

Cardiff by the Sea

• 3/21/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1444 Lake Drive

Carlsbad

• 3/20/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive
• 3/29/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Shoppes at Carlsbad Suite 260, 2525 El Camino Real

Chula Vista

• 3/20/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Eastlake Community Church, 990 Lane Ave.

Encinitas

• 3/29/2024: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Best Buy, 1046 N. El Camino Real

Escondido

• 3/24/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway

Fallbrook

• 3/25/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane

La Jolla

• 3/21/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive
• 3/26/2024: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Scripps Memorial Hospital Schaetzel Center, 9890 Genesee Ave.
• 3/27/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Scripps Memorial Hospital Schaetzel Center, 9890 Genesee Ave.

Oceanside

• 3/20/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., El Camino High School, 400 Rancho Del Oro
• 3/21/2024: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
• 3/28/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., GILEAD and Kite, 4100 Avenida De La Plata, Building 600

Poway

• 3/22/2024: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Poway Honda, 13747 Poway Road
• 3/28/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Poway Branch Library, 13137 Poway Road

Ramona

• 3/26/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Lane

San Diego

• 3/20/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/21/2024: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., San Diego State University Aztec Walk, 5500 Campanile Drive
• 3/21/2024: 11 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/22/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/23/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/24/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/24/2024: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Green Valley Church, 12395 World Trade Drive
• 3/25/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/25/2024: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Civita Park, 7960 Civita Blvd.
• 3/26/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway
• 3/26/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/26/2024: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Westview High School, 13500 Camino Del Sur
• 3/27/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/28/2024: 11 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/29/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/30/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, 151 YMCA Way
• 3/30/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 3/31/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C

San Marcos

• 3/23/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Walmart, 732 Center Drive

Vista

• 3/20/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ayres Hotel, 2100 Radiance Way

What To Know About Giving Blood

All blood types are needed. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to make an appointment.

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.