This November, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give the perfect gift – a blood donation – to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season.

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with family gatherings and travel. However, patients don’t get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Timothy Sheely’s wife received 12 units of blood products during emergency surgery after the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she may not have survived that ordeal, but thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their Mom,” he said. “I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good. Thanks to those who are able to donate and choose to donate!”

The Red Cross encourages donors to start a new holiday tradition and bring family and friends together to donate blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to give this November to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. As a thank you for donating around the Thanksgiving holiday, all those who come to donate Nov. 24-28 will be invited to download a set of recipes from celebrity chefs.

To mak 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.

Collin County

Allen – 11/17/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lovejoy High School, 2350 Estates Pkwy

McKinney – 11/22/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Red Cross Dallas Chapter McKinney Branch, 1450 Red Bud Blvd

Plano – 11/19/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wal Mart Supercenter Store 2883, 8801 Ohio Drive

Dallas County

Dallas

11/20/2016: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Texas EMS Conference, 650 South Griffen Street

11/21/2016: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Texas EMS Conference, 650 South Griffen Street

11/22/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Richland College, 12800 Abrams Rd.

11/22/2016: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Everest College, 6080 North Central Expy.

11/23/2016: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Red Cross Dallas Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines

11/25/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Red Cross Dallas Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines

11/28/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Einstein Bros. Bagels, 15615 Coit Road, Suite 100

Irving

11/21/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Intellicenter, 3701 Regent Blvd

Richardson

11/26/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Islamic Association of North Texas, 840 Abrams Rd.