Texarkana families are invited to support local hospitals this Thanksgiving by donating blood, platelets or plasma at LifeShare Blood Center. From Tuesday, Nov. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 21, every successful donor will receive a complimentary fleece blanket and a $15 voucher toward the purchase of a ham or turkey at participating grocery stores.

Why the holiday week matters

The week leading up to Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the toughest periods for the blood supply. Travel plans and packed family schedules mean fewer volunteers show up, yet hospitals continue to need a steady flow of blood products for surgeries, trauma care and chronic‑illness treatments. LifeShare’s “Thanks for Giving” campaign aims to bridge that gap by rewarding donors and reminding the community of the lifesaving impact of each donation.

Community gratitude

“Blood donors are the reason patients across our region have access to lifesaving care,” said Mandi Johnson, LifeShare’s director of community engagement. “Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and no one deserves our thanks more than the donors who show up for patients they may never meet.”

Goals and past performance

Last year, 1,630 community members participated in the campaign. This year the center has set a goal of 1,800 donors, a modest increase that reflects growing awareness and the desire to keep hospital blood banks fully stocked during the holiday rush.

How to donate

LifeShare Blood Center is located at 4020 Summerhill Road. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday. Walk‑ins are welcome, and donors can also schedule an appointment by calling 903‑794‑3173 or visiting lifeshare.org.

Supporting families and patients

By donating, community members not only help keep operating rooms and emergency departments supplied, they also receive a tangible token of appreciation that can help feed their own Thanksgiving tables. The $15 voucher can be redeemed at a wide variety of grocery retailers, making it easier for families to enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

Looking ahead

LifeShare encourages anyone who is eligible to give blood, platelets or plasma during the campaign window. The center plans to continue offering donor incentives in future years, reinforcing the message that giving is both a civic duty and a personal blessing for families across the region.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.