Need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays

FARMINGTON — Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States.

Individuals are urged to give a lifesaving gift this holiday season by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets and help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients throughout the holiday season. Those with type O blood are especially needed.

During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give blood and be the lifeline patients need. Make an appointment now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1800RED CROSS (18007332767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In thanks for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give blood or platelets now through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gclegal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/ Thanks.)

Litchfield County blood drives: Bethlehem: Dec. 31, 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, Main St., Route 61

Falls Village: Dec. 20, 7:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Housatonic Valley Reg H.S., 246 Warren Turnpike Road

Goshen: Dec. 27, 8 a.m. 1 p.m., Goshen Fire Dept, 181 Sharon Turnpike

Kent: Dec. 18, 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m., Kent Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd

New Milford: Dec. 23, 8 a.m. 1 p.m., New Milford Fitness and Aquatics Club, 130 Grove St.

Sharon: Dec. 30, 9 a.m. 2 p.m., Sharon Hospital, 50 Hospital Hill Road

Terryville: Dec. 30: 1 p.m. 6 p.m., Terryville Congregational Church, 233 Main St.

Torrington: Dec. 24, 7:30 a.m. 1 p.m., Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 540 Litchfield Street; Dec. 27, 1 p.m. 6 p.m., United Congregational Church, 1622 Torringford St.

Watertown: Dec. 31, 8 a.m. 1 p.m., Watertown Fire Department, 935 Main Street

Winsted: Dec. 24, 8 a.m. 1 p.m., Winsted Area Ambulance Association, 655 Main Street