CHENANGO COUNTY – With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, the American Red Cross is making its case to encourage eligible blood donors to give one last gift this holiday season and discover the true meaning of giving by donating blood.

The last few weeks of the year are often abuzz with holiday plans and travel and even seasonal illnesses like the flu. These occurrences often mean fewer donors giving blood at a time of year when there is an increased need – amplifying the ripple effect of blood shortages in area healthcare facilities.

Unfortunately, for patients with cancer or other illnesses and injuries requiring blood transfusions, the need for blood is constant and doesn’t get a holiday break.

The gift of a blood donation can have a substantial impact on the life of a neighbor or loved one in the event of a traumatic injury or accident. Donating takes about an hour and can give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.

According to the Red Cross, the majority of blood donors are ordinary people – high school students, factory and office workers, business executives, parents and grandparents, and people from every walk of life. Their common thread is nothing more than a generous spirit, a desire to give back to their community and helping others.

Donors play an vital role in the delivery of today's healthcare system. Several of the most lifesaving and even routine medical treatments and procedures involve blood transfusions and would not be possible without a safe and reliable blood supply.

The supply of blood into the healthcare system would not be functional without the volunteer management and infrastructure of the Red Cross, and of course volunteer donors.

In addition, the Red Cross also leads research and development of testing to protect the safety of the blood supply, and were among the first organizations to develop and implement testing for many infectious diseases including, HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses, West Nile virus, and more recently the agent of Chagas disease.

In an effort to encourage donations and show appreciation, the Red Cross is rewarding those who attempt to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2015 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Eligible donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative.