Red Cross seeks blood donations

The American Red Cross is urging those who are feeling well to give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets this holiday season. The Red Cross is holding donation opportunities in Santa Cruz County locations from Wednesday to Jan. 2.

The need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the U.S., according to a release from the organization. Donations of all blood types are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.

The Santa Cruz County donation opportunities:

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.

• Noon to 5 p.m. Friday: Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.

• 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24: Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville.

• 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 29: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 2: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.

To make an appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

To encourage donations this holiday season, those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.