Every day patients across the country rely on blood donated through the American Red Cross. While the need is ongoing, the supply isn’t always, especially during the holiday season, when many regular donors are busy with holiday activities. Donors of all blood types are currently needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.

(Photo By Flickr User Visit Hillsborough)

As part of the Give Something that Means Something winter campaign, blood donors can invite a loved one to follow in their footsteps or let someone know they gave in his or her honor with a customized postcard. Donors simply take a photo of a Red Cross moment, whether it’s relaxing on a donor bed, enjoying a post-donation snack or meeting a blood recipient, then upload the photo and add a message at rcblood.org/holidaypostcard. The “postagram” will be mailed anywhere the donor chooses, courtesy of the Red Cross and Postagram.

Eligible donors can help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply around the holidays. Appointments can be made by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Here is a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Fulton County-
Dec. 6 from 12:30pm-5:30pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 120 N. Ave. A in Canton, IL.

Marshall County-
Dec. 3 from 9am-1pm at Midland High School, 1830 State St. in Varna, IL.

Peoria County-
Dec. 2 from 8am-6pm at American Red Cross, 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave. in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 3 from 2:30pm-7:30pm at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, 530 NE Glen Oak in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 3 from 7am-11am at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, 530 NE Glen Oak in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 3 from 11am-2:30pm at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, 530 NE Glen Oak in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 3 from 11am-6pm at American Red Cross, 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave. in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 4 from 6:30am-3pm at American Red Cross, 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave. in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 5 from 7am-12noon at UnityPoint Health, 221 NE Glen Oak in Peoria, IL.
Dec. 5 from 11am-6pm at American Red Cross, 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave. in Peoria, IL.