The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible blood donors to discover the true meaning of giving this holiday season by donating blood.

Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel, according to a news release. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses such as the flu can also have an impact on blood donations.

Despite fewer donors, the need for blood is steady for patients with cancer, illnesses or injuries that require blood transfusions, the release states.

Upcoming blood drives in Albert Lea are the following:

• From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, 404 W. Fountain St.

• From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26, Northbridge Mall, 2510 Bridge Ave.

• From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 30 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Austin.

Sue Thesenga, American Red Cross communications manager in St. Paul, said every blood donation can help save up to three people’s lives.

All people who attempt to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, the release stated.

All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative.

To reach the Southeast Minnesota chapter of the Red Cross, contact 507-287-2200.

 

By the numbers

41,000: donations needed every day in the United States

100: pints of blood a single car crash victim can require

15.7 million: blood donations collected in the U.S. in a year

38: percent of the U.S. population eligible to donate blood