MADISON, Wisc.  – It can’t be wrapped or placed under a tree, but the perfect gift can help save patient lives this holiday season. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the lifesaving gift of a blood donation in December, a time when donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady.

Barbara Coger will never forget the donors that gave the blood that her husband received during the holidays. “I have been donating blood for some time, but really started encouraging others to do so after my husband received a donation on Christmas Eve,” she said. “He had not been doing well and would not survive much longer, but with that extra boost, he was able to share a big smile with me on Christmas morning, something I will always cherish.”

Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Dec. 22, 2016, through Jan. 8, 2017, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Dodge

Beaver Dam

12/19/2016: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., The Landmark at Charleston House, 104 Fakes Court

Waupun

12/21/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Waupun High School, 801 E Lincoln

Fond du Lac

Ripon

12/20/2016: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA, 430 Griswold St

Kenosha

Kenosha

12/16/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., YMCA Callahan Family Branch, 7101 53rd Street

Milwaukee

Greendale

12/27/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Day of Donations at Southridge Mall, 5300 S 76th St

Milwaukee

12/22/2016: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., UMOS, 2071 S. Chase Ave, Building A

12/22/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Milwaukee Academy of Science, 2000 W Kilbourn

12/28/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Layton Grove/Garden Apartments, 4529 S 23rd St

Wauwatosa

12/20/2016: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., YMCA W Suburban Branch, 2420 N 124th St

Sheboygan

Sheboygan

12/16/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sheboygan Trades and Labor Hall, 1104 Wisconsin Ave

12/23/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sheboygan Trades and Labor Hall, 1104 Wisconsin Ave

12/30/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sheboygan Trades and Labor Hall, 1104 Wisconsin Ave

Walworth

Delavan

12/28/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 416 W Geneva

Elkhorn

12/30/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin St.

Lake Geneva

12/16/2016: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., The Cove of Lake Geneva, 111 Center Street

12/28/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mercy Walworth Medical Center, N2950 State Road 67 and Hwy 50

Washington

Hartford

12/19/2016: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Dave’s Lanes, 218 N Main St

Waukesha

Delafield

12/29/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Delafield City Hall, 500 Genesee St

Hartland

12/28/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Charles Catholic Parish & School, 313 Circle Drive

12/30/2016: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hartland Public Library, 110 E Park Ave

Mukwonago

12/21/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mukwonago Community Library, 511 Division St

Muskego

12/29/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Muskego Public Library, S73 W16663 Janesville Rd

New Berlin

12/20/2016: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Eisenhower High School, 4333 S Sunnyslope Rd

North Prairie

12/19/2016: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Highview Evangelical Presbyterian Church, S50 W33042 Town Rd GE

Oconomowoc

12/30/2016: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Oconomowoc Public Library, 200 South St

Pewaukee

12/20/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Waukesha Blood Donation Center, 2220 Silvernail Rd

12/22/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Waukesha Blood Donation Center, 2220 Silvernail Rd

12/27/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Waukesha Blood Donation Center, 2220 Silvernail Rd

12/29/2016: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Waukesha Blood Donation Center, 2220 Silvernail Rd

How 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter.