When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don't have to wait for critical care. Donating blood with the American Red Cross in December can assist those in need in creating more holiday memories with loved ones.

This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel, and seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making it challenging to collect sufficient blood. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment, and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can't take a holiday break. Donors are needed every single day.

Those who come to donate blood or AB Elite plasma from Dec. 18 to Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. To express a special thank-you to donors for addressing the need for blood and plasma during the critical post-holiday period, those who come to donate from Jan. 1-31, National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Scheduling and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.