The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April.

Donating blood is a simple way to make a profound difference in the lives of patients.Nearly 2.8 million generous people donated blood through the Red Cross last year.Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).Upcoming blood drives:Carbon: Lehighton, 1:30 to 6 p.m., April 7, Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron St.Monroe: Blakeslee, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., April 3, Blakeslee Community Center, routes 115 and 940Schuylkill: Ashland, 1 to 6 p.m., April 6, Christ United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport RoadMahanoy City, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 10, Mahanoy Area High School, 800 W. South St.