Give one last gift this holiday season with a blood donation.

The American Red Cross encourages the community to give one last gift this holiday season and discover the true meaning of giving by donating blood.

Busy holiday schedules and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can often mean fewer donors giving blood. But for patients with cancer or other illnesses or injuries requiring blood transfusions, the need for blood is constant and doesn’t get a holiday break. The gift of a blood donation only takes about an hour and can give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.

To encourage donations and show appreciation, all those who come to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2015, will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Individuals with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Crawford County:

Bucyrus
12/10/2014: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 1955 Hopley Ave
12/11/2014: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Bucyrus Public Library, 200 E Mansfield St
12/31/2014: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Altercare, 1929 Whetstone Street

Chatfield
12/13/2014: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chatfield Grocery, 6879 Sandusky St

Crestline
12/12/2014: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Crestline High School, 7854 Oldfield Road

Galion
12/10/2014: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Galion High School, 472 Portland Way North
12/11/2014: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Christian Church, 6195 State Route 19
12/18/2014: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way N
12/24/2014: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Geyer’s Super Valu, 230 Portland Way North

New Washington
12/8/2014: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 110 South Kibler St.

North Robinson
12/17/2014: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Colonel Crawford High School, 2303 State Route 602

To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.