Area Red Cross blood drives announced

American Red Cross information

The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give something that means something this holiday season — a lifesaving blood donation.

Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations, but the need for blood remains steady. On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood products every day for patients across the country.

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 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

Area drives scheduled:

Paulding County

• Monday, December 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., First Financial Bank, 201 N. Main St. in Paulding.
• Monday, December 15, from noon-6 p.m., Paulding County Historical Society, 600 Fairgrounds Drive in Paulding.

Van Wert County

• Monday, December 8, from 2-6 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6727 Ohio 49 in Convoy.