Already thinking of the holiday season? Blood donations are needed at the American Red Cross, especially during the Holidays.

The American Red Cross says there is a decline of donations every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, and patients needing blood don’t get a break during the celebrations.

Donors are encouraged to start a new holiday tradition of bringing friends and family members to give a lifesaving gift.

All blood types are needed, and this year, as a thank you for donating at Thanksgiving time, anyone who gives blood from Nov. 24-28 will receive holiday recipes from celebrity chefs.

Visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation appointment.

Stearns County has a donation center in St. Cloud, located at 1301 W. St. Germain St. Blood drives will be hosted in Cold Spring Nov. 18, and at Rocori High School and Paynesville Lutheran Church Nov. 17.

Sherburne County has blood drives scheduled in Elk River at Cargill Nov. 18, and at the Bank of Elk River on Nov. 29. Clear Lake will have a blood drive on Nov. 28 at St. Marcus Church.

Wright County will be having blood drives in Buffalo at St. John’s Lutheran Church Nov. 28, in Maple Lake Nov. 16 at the Legion Club, and in Rockford Nov. 21 at Our Father’s Lutheran Church.

Kandiyohi County will host drives in Willmar Nov. 21 at Ridgewater College and Nov. 25 at the American Legion Post. Lastly, Prinsburg will have a blood drive at Unity CRC on Nov. 29.