Platelet donations are starting in this region next year through the American Red Cross. The Sonora Blood Donation Center at 850 Sanguinetti Road, Sonora, will start taking platelet donations beginning on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. Donors who give their first platelet donation at this location by Wednesday, Jan.31, 2018 will receive a $25 gift certificate via email and can choose from merchants like Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, T.J. Maxx, and hundreds more.