WICHITA — During this season of giving, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the gift of life to help ensure patients don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter. Blood and platelet donations of all types are needed, especially type O.

Holiday travel and severe winter weather often lead to a decline in blood donations. However, a patient’s need for lifesaving treatment doesn’t take a vacation or stop for nasty weather. Blood and platelets are needed every day for those receiving treatment for cancer and leukemia, accident and burn victims and surgical patients, among others.

As a special thank you for being the lifeline for patients this holiday season, those who come out to give blood with the Red Cross Dec. 19 through Jan. 5 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: 

Great Bend

Jan. 7 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at River Bend Assisted Living, 3820 Broadway Ave.

Jan. 11 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VFW Post 3111, 504 Washington St.

Hoisington

Dec. 30 - 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank Road.

St. John

Dec. 20 - noon to 6 p.m. at the Witt Community Center, 215 E. 3rd Ave.

Ransom

Dec. 20 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Western Plains High School, 100 School St.

Utica

Dec. 23 - 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 357 Bell St.