The American Red Cross encourages individuals and organizations to give something that means something this winter by making a lifesaving blood donation or hosting a blood drive.

Blood donations often decline from now to New Year’s Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. Seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations.

In addition, there are fewer blood drives during the winter months when many hosting organizations postpone drives while people are traveling for the holidays. Severe winter weather may also cause scheduled blood drives to be canceled.

Despite the busy holiday season and threat of extreme freezing weather, the need for blood remains steady. Organizations can help by hosting a blood drive during the winter months, and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood. Donors with all blood types are needed.

Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about hosting a blood drive. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.

There are upcoming blood donation opportunities from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Salem Lutheran Church and 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.

To make an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Freeborn County.