Non-Profit

As the holiday season approaches, Gulf Coast Blood and Moody Gardens are giving Greater Houston residents another reason to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Beginning November 1, 2026, eligible blood donors can receive a complimentary Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Pass, offering a chance to enjoy some of Galveston's favorite holiday attractions while helping patients across Southeast Texas.

The first-time partnership between the two nonprofit organizations comes at an important time for regional hospitals. Gulf Coast Blood needs approximately 1,000 blood donations every day to support more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties, including those serving Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands and surrounding communities.

With Thanksgiving travel, school breaks and holiday celebrations approaching, blood donations typically decline even as patients continue to need transfusions for emergency surgeries, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries and chronic medical conditions.

How to Get a Free Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Pass by Donating Blood

Beginning Sunday, November 1, individuals who successfully donate blood at participating Gulf Coast Blood donor centers or mobile blood drives will receive a complimentary Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Pass while supplies last.

The pass provides admission after 4 p.m. to several of the Galveston destination's seasonal attractions, including:

• Aquarium Pyramid

• ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas

• Holiday Lights Trail

• One 3D film and one 4D film

• Four Arctic Slide rides

• One Kiddie Train ride

• Ice-Skating Rink admission

The holiday experience gives donors an opportunity to visit Moody Gardens with family or friends while supporting a blood supply that local patients depend on year-round.

“The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break, and neither do the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Theresa Pina, Chief Growth Officer at Gulf Coast Blood. “We’re grateful to Moody Gardens for partnering with us to recognize the generosity of blood donors and raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood this holiday season. We hope this partnership inspires more people to donate this winter and helps ensure local patients have the blood products they need.”

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Why Holiday Blood Donations Matter for Houston-Area Hospitals

For families across Greater Houston, access to donated blood is an essential part of emergency preparedness and everyday medical care. Whether someone is undergoing surgery at a major Houston hospital, receiving cancer treatment or recovering from an unexpected accident, donated blood can make a critical difference.

Gulf Coast Blood, a nonprofit blood and biotherapies organization serving Greater Houston, the Texas Medical Center and surrounding counties, is the region's only 24/7 blood provider. Its work includes collecting and distributing blood products, supporting advances in blood banking and biotherapies, and strengthening patient care through community partnerships.

The organization faces additional challenges during the winter months as holiday travel, seasonal illnesses and changes in school schedules can make it harder to maintain consistent donor participation.

A single blood donation can help multiple patients, making donations at neighborhood blood drives and regional donor centers an important part of keeping hospitals prepared.

Free Cholesterol Screenings Available to Blood Donors Through December 31

In addition to the Moody Gardens holiday pass promotion, Gulf Coast Blood is offering successful donors a complimentary cholesterol screening through December 31, 2026.

No fasting or advance registration is required for the screening. Results are typically available within two weeks through the organization's Digital Donor app.

The screening provides donors with additional information about their cholesterol levels, although it does not replace routine medical care or a comprehensive health evaluation.

Moody Gardens Brings a Galveston Holiday Tradition to the Partnership

Located in Galveston, Moody Gardens is a public nonprofit educational destination known for its distinctive glass pyramids, wildlife exhibits, conservation programs and seasonal attractions.

The organization combines education, recreation, rehabilitation, conservation and research, welcoming millions of visitors annually through experiences that connect guests with the natural world.

Its annual holiday offerings, including ICE LAND, the Holiday Lights Trail and ice skating, have become popular seasonal outings for families throughout the Houston-Galveston region.

The partnership with Gulf Coast Blood extends Moody Gardens' community-focused mission beyond its Galveston campus by recognizing residents who help support patients throughout Southeast Texas.

“At Moody Gardens, our mission is rooted in serving and enriching our community, which makes this partnership with Gulf Coast Blood especially meaningful,” said John Zendt, President and CEO of Moody Gardens. “Blood donors give one of the greatest gifts possible to someone they’ve never met. We’re honored to thank these individuals with a holiday experience they can share with family and friends while helping shine a light on the lifesaving impact of blood donation.”

The collaboration was also marked by a visit from the Gulf Coast Blood team to Moody Gardens on the first day of ice cutting for this year's ICE LAND attraction.

How to Schedule a Blood Donation Near Houston

Residents interested in participating can visit GiveBlood.org to find participating Gulf Coast Blood donor centers, search for upcoming mobile blood drives and schedule an appointment.

Appointments can also be arranged through the Gulf Coast Blood Digital Donor app.

Donors hoping to receive a complimentary Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Pass should confirm that their selected donation location is participating in the promotion. Passes are available only while supplies last, and successful donation is required.

For Houston-area residents looking for a meaningful way to give back before Thanksgiving and Christmas, the promotion offers an opportunity to support local patients while enjoying a holiday outing in Galveston.

More importantly, the donations collected during the coming weeks will help hospitals continue caring for patients long after the holiday celebrations end.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Greater Houston community news, local blood drive opportunities, holiday events and ways to support nonprofit organizations making a difference across Southeast Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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