Make Hoxworth Blood Center’s special holiday events part of your family celebrations this December
This December, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is inviting families across Greater Cincinnati to add something truly meaningful to their holiday traditions: giving the gift of life. With festive community events, beloved local partners and special thank-you gifts for donors, Hoxworth is making it easier, and more heartwarming than ever, to roll up your sleeves and help save lives close to home.
This year’s theme, “Holiday Heroes of the Tristate,” celebrates the spirit of generosity that defines our region. Whether you’re gathering with family, exploring the city’s traditions or looking for a way to give back before the new year, Hoxworth has an event to match your holiday plans.
Honor the life of Nicholas Cordrey Dec. 19
On Dec. 19, Hoxworth invites the community to honor the life and legacy of Nicholas Cordrey by donating blood in his memory. Nicholas was only 15 years old when he died of a brain aneurysm in 2020. He was a registered organ, tissue and eye donor and saved dozens of lives through this act of selflessness. Nicholas’ family says this is their way of keeping his memory alive and continuing his giving attitude.
The drive will be Friday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at La Casa del Sol Ministry Center, 5820 Bender Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233. All donors will receive a Hoxworth Hero backpack as a thank-you.
Donors are encouraged to bring a new hoodie to support the Nicholas R. Cordrey Foundation’s annual hoodie drive, helping young people who need warmth this winter.
Walk-ins are welcome as time allows or schedule your appointment here: http://hoxworth.org/groups/nicholascordrey
Jingle Bell Blood Drives at Montgomery Inn: The Boathouse
Dec. 20 & Dec. 30 | 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Celebrate Cincinnati’s holiday spirit along the riverfront with the return of the Jingle Bell Blood Drives at Montgomery Inn: The Boathouse. Donors at these events will receive:
- FREE admission to the Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
- A Hoxworth Hero backpack
- A limited-edition holiday T-shirt
- Holiday Hero eGift card
Bring the whole family to donate together and make it a festive day out in the Queen City. www.hoxworth.org/groups/jinglebell
New Year’s Eve event at Skyline Chili
Before counting down to midnight, stop by one of three Skyline Chili locations and wrap up 2025 with a life-saving act of kindness. Every donor will receive:
- A Hoxworth Hero backpack
- A coupon for a FREE cheese coney with beverage purchase
- A digital “Last Lifesaver of 2025” donor badge added to your Hoxworth donor portal
- Holiday Hero eGift card
Locations include Downtown (254 E. 4th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202), Florence (7899 Mall Road, Florence, KY 41042) and Mt. Orab (110 North Point Drive, Mount Orab, OH 45154).
It’s the perfect way to kick off your New Year’s celebrations — Cincinnati-style. Appointments will fill fast, so schedule now before time runs out in 2025! www.hoxworth.org/groups/skyline
Holiday Hero eGift cards Dec. 21–Jan. 1
Still need to squeeze in one more donation before the year ends? From Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, ALL donors giving at Hoxworth Neighborhood Donor Centers or mobile drives will receive Holiday Hero eGift cards ($10 or $20, depending on donation type). It’s Hoxworth’s way of saying “thank you” as you close out the year with generosity.
A call to all holiday heroes
Blood donations drop during the holiday season, but patient needs do not. Hoxworth encourages families, workplaces, neighborhoods and community groups to step up together. Make donating part of your annual tradition and help ensure every Tristate patient has the life-saving blood products they need.
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Schedule today at Hoxworth.org or call (513) 451-0910.
About Hoxworth Blood Center
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, was founded in 1938 and serves more than 30 hospitals in 18 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects more than 100,000 units of blood from local donors to help save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center: Saving Lives Close to Home.
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