The best gifts can’t be bought in a store. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give more life by giving blood this December.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give the most important gift – give blood and give more life. To encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 15-31:

• Fairfax – at the Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720 Prosperity Ave., Suite 200 (unless otherwise noted)

Dec. 15: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 16: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 17: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Dec. 18: 1:15.-8:30 p.m.

Dec. 19: 10:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Dec. 20: 12:45-8 p.m.

Dec. 21: 12:45-5:45 p.m.

Dec. 22: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 23: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 24: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Dec. 26: 10:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Dec. 27: 12:45-8 p.m.

Dec. 28: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Pennino Building 10th Floor Conf Rm, 12011 Government Center Parkway

Dec. 28: 12:45-5:45 p.m.

Dec. 29: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 30: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dec. 31: 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

• Reston

Dec. 20: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Leidos, 11951 Freedom Drive

Dec. 29: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Extended Stay America, 12190 Sunset Hills Road

• Springfield

Dec. 26: 1 p.m.-5 p.m., South Run RECenter, 7550 Reservation Drive

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.