Get Free 'Elf' Gift After Giving Blood At Drives In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA — With the season of giving around the corner, the American Red Cross is asking San Diego County residents to be generous with the gift of lifesaving blood.

"Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near — a time when blood donations often decline," 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 those giving platelets, according to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross has planned blood drives across the county, including in Escondido.

Anyone who donates through Nov. 30 will receive a pair of "Elf" + Red Cross socks, while supplies last, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the film.

See a list of upcoming San Diego area blood drives below.

Cardiff

• 11/27/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Encinitas Elks Lodge 2243, 1393 Windsor Road

Carlsbad

• 11/24/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 11/28/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Coast Church Carlsbad Campus, 2310 Camino Vida Roble, #104

Chula Vista

• 11/27/2023: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane

Encinitas

• 11/24/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Best Buy, 1046 N. El Camino Real

Escondido

• 11/16/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Escondido Adventist Academy, 1301 Deodar Road
• 11/19/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway

Oceanside

• 11/19/2023: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., New Song Community Church, 3985 Mission Ave.
• 11/30/2023: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus

Poway

• 11/27/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Target, 14823 Pomerado Road

San Diego

• Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (See RedCrossBlood.org for hours)
• 11/15/2023: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Aztecs for Life Blood Drive, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive
• 11/16/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive
• 11/16/2023: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., KIPJ Garden of the Sky Circle Drive, 5998 Alcala Park Way
• 11/21/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave.
• 11/29/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., 4S Ranch Branch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive
• 11/30/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., UC San Diego Inter-College Residents' Association, 9500 Gilman Drive

San Marcos

• 11/28/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Palomar College, 1140 West Mission Road

Santee

• 11/20/2023: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Santee United Methodist Church, 8964 Magnolia Ave.

Vista

• 11/21/2023: 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.