HUNTINGTON, W.VA. — Time is almost up to find the perfect gift for loved ones this holiday season. Last-minute shoppers could be facing fewer selections and longer waits in line.

Meanwhile in hospitals across our area, patients and their families may be waiting for people like you to give the perfect gift — the gift of life.

Officials of the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region Blood Services, explain that during the holiday season, donor turnout often decreases for a number of reasons: holiday activities, school or workplace vacations, inclement weather and outbreaks of colds and flu.  Lower donor turnout could lead to scarce blood supplies for patients in need.

“The need is constant, day and night, 365 days a year. Every two seconds, someone in our country needs a blood transfusion,” John Hagins, CEO, noted.

He stated that a stable, sufficient blood supply must be readily available when needs arise, both for patients with acute needs such as premature births and those with trauma injuries and patients with ongoing needs, such as sickle cell patients and some patients fighting leukemia, lymphoma and other types of cancer.

Hagins added that when individuals come in to donate blood through Jan. 9, they are entered in a daily drawing for a $500 gift certificate of their choice from Giftcertificates.com.

You have the opportunity to donate blood at the following blood drives in the Ironton area the week of Dec. 27 through Dec. 31:

• Monday, Dec. 27 from 2-7 p.m. – Knights of Columbus, 2101 S. Third St., Ironton.

• Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 am to 2 p.m. – First Baptist Church-Faith & Fitness Center, 400 Vernon St., Ironton.

“Your blood donation this holiday season is the perfect gift…the gift that saves the day, Hagins said. Your heart, your wallet and countless hospital patients across the country thank you!”

For your convenience, you may now schedule blood donation appointments online at www.redcrossblood.org.  You may also call 1-800-REDCROSS.  Follow us at: www.twitter.com/redcrossGAR.