The Diocese of Allentown is once again partnering with Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) to host its second annual diocese-wide blood drive, following the tremendous success of last year’s event.
In 2024, the Diocese’s first blood drive collected 571 lifesaving donations, a milestone that inspired the return of this effort to help meet the region’s ongoing need for blood. The 2025 campaign will run from Friday, September 19, through Tuesday, December 16, at all MKBC fixed site locations.
The drive is held in honor of Saint Januarius, patron saint of blood banks. Both the starting and ending dates of the campaign are symbolic, explained Monika Wiegers, MKBC’s Director of Donor Relations. “September 19 is the Feast Day of Saint Januarius,” she said. “December 16 is one of the miracle dates of his blood liquification.”
In addition to saving lives, participants will receive a spiritual token of gratitude. All donors who provide their parish’s Blood Drive Sponsor Code when making their appointment will be given a Saint Januarius medallion blessed by The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown. Donors who already received a medallion last year may choose instead to receive a prayer card.
Bishop Schlert expressed his appreciation for those who take part in the blood drive, noting that each donation is a tangible act of charity. “Giving blood is a selfless way to live out the Gospel call to serve others,” he said.
Where to Donate
Beginning September 19, donors may give blood or platelets at any of MKBC’s fixed site locations:
- Allentown: 1255 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 1300
- Allentown: Five City Center, 740 Hamilton St., Suite 120
- Bethlehem: 1465 Valley Center Parkway
- Easton: 3765 Nicholas St., Suite B
- Pittston: 400 Route 315, Suite E
- Reading: 2745 Leiscz’s Bridge Road (for GPS use: 047 Old Bernville Rd)
While some of these centers are outside diocesan boundaries, all donors within the Diocese are encouraged to invite friends and family to give blood using their parish’s sponsor code.
“Miller-Keystone Blood Center is grateful to the Allentown Diocese for their support of our critically important mission, and we are proud to partner with them again this year to save lives in our community,” said Wiegers.
How to Participate
Donors must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Full eligibility guidelines are available on the MKBC website at GIVEaPINT.org.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) ext. 2, online at GIVEaPINT.org, through the MKBC App (available on Google Play or the Apple Store), or by scanning the campaign’s QR code.
With this second annual diocese-wide blood drive, the Diocese of Allentown hopes to build on last year’s momentum and bring the faithful together in an act of mercy that quite literally saves lives.
Find answers to frequently asked questions here. Access the flyer here.
