With the holiday season fast approaching, Vitalant is launching a month‑long blood‑donation drive for residents of Northern Nevada. The organization is asking eligible volunteers to step forward between November 1 and November 30 to help keep the regional blood supply stable during a time when hospitals often see a surge in demand.
How to donate and what you’ll receive
All donors who give blood at any Vitalant location in November will be entered for a chance to win one of three $10,000 prepaid gift cards through the Donor Rewards program. In addition, donors who schedule and complete a donation between November 1 and November 22 can redeem an exclusive Winnie‑the‑Pooh T‑shirt, subject to supply and standard terms and conditions.
For those who donate later in the month, Vitalant is offering a $20 rewards gift card to anyone who schedules and completes a donation between November 23 and November 30 using the code THANKFUL-2026-V. This incentive also carries the usual terms and conditions.
Upcoming blood‑drive locations
- November 5 – Reno: Miracle Makers Blood Drive at the D.R. Horton Reno Division, 5190 Neil Road, 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- November 10 – Winnemucca: Winnemucca Convention Center West Hall, 50 W. Winnemucca Boulevard, noon – 5 p.m.
- November 12 – Elko: Nevada Gold Mines NGM Training Room, 1655 Mountain City Highway, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- November 13 – Elko: Great Basin College Fitness Center, 1500 College Parkway, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- November 18 – Reno: University of Nevada, Reno Knowledge Center Rotunda, 1664 N. Virginia St., 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- November 18 – Carson City: Carson High School small gym, 1111 N. Saliman Road, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- November 25 – Reno: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa’s “Thanks for Giving” blood drive in the west parking lot, 9:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Appointments can be scheduled online at Vitalant.org, through the Vitalant mobile app, or by calling 877‑258‑4825. The organization encourages donors to book early, as slots can fill quickly, especially at the larger venues.
Why your donation matters
Blood supplies tend to dip during the winter holidays, when many regular donors travel or are otherwise occupied. By donating now, Northern Nevada residents help ensure that hospitals in Washoe, Elko and Carson counties have the necessary blood components for surgeries, trauma care and routine treatments. Vitalant notes that a single donation can save up to three lives.
Community leaders and local faith groups have expressed strong support for the campaign, emphasizing the act of giving as a tangible way to live out Christian values of service and compassion. Families are encouraged to consider donating together, reinforcing the tradition of caring for neighbors during the season of gratitude.
What to expect at your appointment
Donors will undergo a brief health screening, followed by a standard whole‑blood collection that typically takes about ten minutes. After the donation, a short recovery period allows volunteers to enjoy refreshments before returning to their day. All sites follow current health‑safety protocols, including mask recommendations and sanitization of equipment between donors.
By participating in Vitalant’s November drive, Northern Nevada residents not only help keep local hospitals stocked but also stand up for the community’s well‑being—a core principle that aligns with the region’s strong family and faith traditions.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
