This November, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give the perfect gift – a blood donation – to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season.

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with family gatherings and travel. However, patients don’t get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

The Red Cross encourages donors to start a new holiday tradition and bring family and friends together to donate blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to give this November to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. As a thank you for donating around the Thanksgiving holiday, all those who come to donate Nov. 24-28 will be invited to download a set of recipes from celebrity chefs.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

Friday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Summit YMCA, 1765 Highway 34 East, Newnan

Friday, Nov. 18, 2-7 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2021 Redwine Road, Fayetteville

Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Trinity Baptist Church, 122 Franklin Highway, Newnan

Monday, Nov. 21, 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 106 West Taylor St., Griffin

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Glenloch Recreation Complex, 601 Stevens Entry, Peachtree City

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Southern Regional Medical Center, 11 West Upper Riverdale Road, Riverdale

Monday, Nov. 28, 1:30-6:30 p.m., Fayetteville Christian Church, 114 Hickory Road, Fayetteville

Tuesday, Nov. 29,  11 a.m -3 p.m., Peachtree City Christian Church, 500 Kedron Drive, Peachtree City