ST. PAUL — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to be the lifeline for patients in need this holiday season by making an appointment to give blood.

While helping to save lives is likely motivation enough, those who come out to give between Nov. 18 and Dec. 18 will also receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks). Additionally, those who come to give Nov. 27-30 will receive an exclusive long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

As schedules fill with holiday parties, shopping and fun with friends and family, many blood donors delay giving. Unfortunately, that may lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood. Right now, there is a critical need for type O blood donors.

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Opportunities to donate blood

Austin

• Nov. 19: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Austin Utilities, 1908 14th St. NE
• Nov. 22: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Citizens Center, 400 Third Ave. NE
• Dec. 6: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA, 704 First Dr. NW
• Dec. 16: Noon to 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 2001 Sixth Ave. SE

Blooming Prairie

• Nov. 18: 1-7 p.m. at Blooming Prairie High School, 202 Fourth Ave. NW
• Dec. 9: 1-6 p.m. at City Center, 138 Highway Ave. S.