The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the perfect gift this holiday season - a lifesaving blood or platelet donation.

By rolling up a sleeve, donors can help ensure patients continue to receive treatment throughout the holiday season.Busy holiday schedules and travel plans make it more challenging for regular donors to give, and many businesses and organizations postpone hosting blood drives during the holiday season for these same reasons. This can lead to a decline in blood donations, but the need is constant."While many of us gather with friends and family this time of year, patients may spend the holidays in a hospital room," said Nick Gehrig, communications director of Red Cross Blood Services. "The need for blood doesn't take a break for the holidays. Please make an appointment to give the most meaningful gift of all - the gift of life through a blood or platelet donation."To encourage donations around Thanksgiving, those who come to give blood or platelets through Nov. 28 will be emailed a set of recipes from celebrity chef partners Mario Batali, Rick Bayless, Richard Blais, David Burke, Mike Isabella and Ellie Krieger.Power Red donationsBlood donors with type O, B negative and A negative blood can help more patients with one appointment by making a Power Red donation at select Red Cross blood donation centers and blood drives.Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells - the most commonly transfused blood component. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are frequently give to trauma and surgery patients.During a Power Red donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and plasma and platelets are then safely and comfortably returned to the donor.Upcoming blood donationsCarbon• Zion United Church of Christ, South Second and Iron streets, Lehighton, 1:30 to 6 p.m. Monday.Monroe• Blakeslee Community Center, Route 115 and 940, Blakeslee, 1:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.• Pocono Medical Center, 206 E. Brown St., East Stroudsburg, noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10.• Our Lady Of Victory Church, Cherrylane Road, P.O. Box 195, Tannersville, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4.Schuylkill• Christ United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, (Gordon), Ashland, 1 to 6

p.m.Thursday.How to donateDownload the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) 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.People who are 17 years of age(16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.