The American Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment to give blood now to keep the local blood supply steady over the busy holiday season.

December is National Month of Giving, and a Red Cross blood donation can bring hope and healing, the organization said.

Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks, according to the Red Cross.

“When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter,” the Red Cross reports.

To schedule an appointment to give blood, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For a limited time, those who come to give blood Dec. 8-18 will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19-Jan. 4 will receive an Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

For details on December offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. Those unable to give, might consider making a financial donation to redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Santa Barbara, Dec. 8-31, are:

Dec. 8: 1-7 p.m., American Red Cross, 2707 State St.
Dec. 22: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., American Red Cross, 2707 State St.

To donate blood: Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App; visit RedCrossBlood.org; call 1-800-733-2767; or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals ages 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), who weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors ages 18 years and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Another way to support the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

For more information and to apply, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.