By VINCE ROBINSON
American Red Cross

Give thanks by giving blood through the Red Cross this holiday season. The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available for patients this holiday season.

Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of November for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with unique celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Elkhart County

• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Believers Fellowship Church, 60781 SR 13, Goshen.
• 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, One Main Financial, 2003 Lincolnway E. Suite F, Goshen.
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Sunnyside Park, 68546 S. Clinton, New Paris.
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Pleasant View Mennonite Church, 58529 CR 23, Goshen.
• 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Faith United Methodist Church, 22045 CR 18, Goshen.

LaGrange County

• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, LaGrange First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Spring St., LaGrange.
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Blue Gate Garden Inn, 800 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, South Milford Church of Christ, 8030 E. 600 S., Wolcottville.

Marshall County

• 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 , St. Isidore Hall, 803 W. Bike St., Bremen.
• 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Washington Discovery Academy, 1500 Lake Ave., Plymouth.
• 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 , Bremen High School, 511 W Grant St., Bremen.

Saint Joseph County

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Lowes Home Improvement, 4660 N. Grape Road, Mishawaka.

The Goshen Donor Center, located at 1123 S. Indiana Ave. in Goshen:

• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Closed Thursday. Will be held 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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, visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.