When you see red in the holiday colors this month – think of hospital patients in need of something red that only another person like you can gift to them – your blood.

And think of the fact that it only takes about an hour to give whole blood. No ‘green’ is needed, just one hour of time and selfless generosity to donate blood.

In the summer and winter months, patients do not get a break from their required blood transfusions. Yet annually, Carter BloodCare observes a “giving slump” in December, due to hectic schedule changes, vacations and families spending time together for the holidays.

Call your local donor center today and make it a family tradition to give blood together during the holidays. When blood donors #GiveForLife frequently, hospital patients can receive the blood transfusions required to improve their health. Without volunteer blood donors, it is impossible to provide blood for patients. There is no substitute for human blood. Carter BloodCare needs only one pint of whole blood – and about an hour of your time – to save three lives.

Tyler Junior College is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, December 1, at 1400 E. Fifth St., in the Rogers Student Center, second floor. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Lauren Tyler at 903-510-2611.

Best Buy is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Saturday, December 3, at 5514 S. Broadway, in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact John Cook at 903-509-0690 extension 2100.

Green Acres Baptist Church is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, December 4, at 1607 Troup Hwy, in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Kevin Burdette at 903-525-1186.

McCoy's Building Supply is hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, December 6, at 1000 SSW Loop 323, in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Jack MacLennan at 903-595-1289.

Visit carterbloodcare.org and click ‘give life’ to hear personal stories about lives affected by blood transfusions. Additionally, share a personal experience of your own by emailing Carter BloodCare at TellUsYourStory@carterbloodcare.org.

Remember to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water at least an hour before giving blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well on the day of donation, and present a government-issued photo ID each time they give blood.

Potential blood donors may volunteer beginning at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may give independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood. For more information on donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

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