The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season.

Blood donations often decline during the holidays. Anyone who donates blood now through today could receive an Amazon.com gift card (restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal) via email. Information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.

There is an upcoming blood donation opportunity from 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Faulkner Subaru, 330 Stoke Park Road. Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor app, going on line at RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-733-2767.