SALT LAKE CITY — Every year during the holiday season, the American Red Cross depends on the generosity of donors to give platelets as a show of gratitude to offer hope for families in need and make a real difference.

“Between November, December and January, we see not only the dip in donors from holidays, but also from people taking vacations, illness, weather-related issues, and so that’s where the kind of those factors come into play, and we see less donors coming in the door,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, executive director at the Salt Lake chapter of the American Red Cross.

“But the need doesn’t go away.”

The American Red Cross of Utah will open select donation centers for platelet donors on Thursday, aiming to support patients battling cancer, chronic illnesses and trauma.

Kate Macfar

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