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 two 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:
11/18/2014: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Brunswick Academy, 2100 Planters Road Lawrenceville
11/18/2014: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bowling Green Baptist Church, N. 225 Main Street Bowling Green
11/18/2014: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 105 S. Snead Street Ashland
11/18/2014: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Main School Building, 2301 East Grace Street Richmond
11/19/2014: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 South Main Street Emporia
11/20/2014: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Warsaw Baptist Church, 226 Main Street Warsaw
11/21/2014: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., GreenTop Sporting Goods, 10150 Lakeridge Pkwy Ashland
11/25/2014: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tappahannock- Essex Volunteer Fire Department, 620 Airport Road Tappahannock
11/25/2014: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 102 Lakeview Parkway Locust Grove
11/30/2014: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Fire Department, 10507 Doyle Blvd. Mc Kenney

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.