DeTar Encourages Crossroads Residents to Kick Off Holiday Season of Giving With Nov. 5 Blood Drive

10/15/2026

With the holiday season approaching and blood supplies critically low, DeTar Healthcare System is encouraging Crossroads residents to kick off the season of giving by donating blood Thursday, Nov. 5 at DeTar Hospital Navarro during their mobile blood drive.

The blood drive will take place on Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the DeTar Hospital Navarro campus, 506 E. San Antonio St., Victoria. Both South Texas Blood & Tissue Center donor buses will be parked near the hospital’s front entrance.

Appointments are encouraged. Sign up at https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/152715.

According to Joby Stortz, regional account manager with South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, supplies of O-negative and O-positive blood are critically low, with less than a one-day supply available. Supplies of all other blood types are approximately five days.

“With less than a one-day supply of some blood types currently available, advance appointments are essential to ensure a successful blood drive,” Stortz said. “All blood types are desperately needed right now.”

Blood donations often decline during the holidays as travel and seasonal commitments increase. Donating now helps strengthen the blood supply for patients who need transfusions during emergencies, surgery and treatment for serious illnesses. One donation can help save up to three lives.

“November isn’t just about turkey and travel. It’s about being thankful, compassionate and helpful,” Stortz said. “Giving blood is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to help your community. Your donation could even give a family another holiday together.”

DeTar Director of Education and blood drive coordinator Lori Cantu said community participation is essential to helping local patients.

“Blood donations are one of the most direct ways we can support patients in our community,” Cantu said. “We are incredibly proud of our team members and community donors who continue to show up and give so generously. Every donation truly makes a difference.”

The community showed strong support at DeTar’s August blood drive, reserving all 40 original appointments ahead of the event. South Texas Blood & Tissue Center brought a second donor bus to accommodate additional volunteers.

“Our community showed us what is possible when people come together for a shared purpose at our last blood drive,” said Brett Maxfield, chief executive officer of DeTar Healthcare System. “As we enter the holiday season, we encourage residents to sign up for Nov. 5 and help us continue that momentum. Donating blood is a simple but powerful way to care for our neighbors.”

Unable to attend Nov. 5? Community members can also donate at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center donation center inside H-E-B Plus, 6106 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Stortz said the center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays and Wednesdays, when hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are not required.

Those unable to donate can still help by sharing information about the drive or encouraging friends and family members who are eligible to give. As the Crossroads prepares for a season centered on gratitude and generosity, DeTar encourages residents to make blood donation part of their holiday giving.

Back