PEORIA, Ill. (Nov. 19, 2013) — Every day patients across the country rely on blood donated through the American Red Cross. While the need is ongoing, the supply isn't always — especially during the holiday season, when many regular donors are busy with holiday activities. Donors of all blood types are currently needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.

As part of the Give Something that Means Something winter campaign, blood donors can invite a loved one to follow in their footsteps or let someone know they gave in his or her honor with a customized postcard. Donors simply take a photo of a Red Cross moment, whether it's relaxing on a donor bed, enjoying a post-donation snack or meeting a blood recipient, then upload the photo and add a message at rcblood.org/holidaypostcard. The "postagram" will be mailed anywhere the donor chooses, courtesy of the Red Cross and Postagram.

Eligible donors can help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply around the holidays. Appointments can be made by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Ford County
Dec. 2 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Piper City Community Building, 64 W. Peoria St. in Piper City, Ill.
Dec. 6 from 2-5:30 p.m. at Gibson City Masonic Lodge, 108 E. Eighth St. in Gibson City, Ill.
Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Paxton Buckley-Loda High School, 700 Panther Way in Paxton, Ill.

Iroquois County
Dec. 4 from 1-7 p.m. at American Legion, 124 S. Second St. in Cissna Park, Ill.
Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Donovan High School, 600 North St. in Donovan, Ill.
Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, 200 E. Fairman Ave. in Watseka, Ill.

Kankakee County
Dec. 2 from 12-6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 225 E. Third in Herscher, Ill.
Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kankakee Community College, 100 College Drive in Kankakee, Ill.
Dec. 5 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aroma Fire Department, 307 S. Bridge St. in Aroma Park, Ill.
Dec. 9 from 12-4 p.m. at Court Street Ford, 558 William Latham Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Dec. 11 from 1-7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 175 S. Main St. in Manteno, Ill.
Dec. 12 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.

Livingston County
Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at American Legion Home, 600 South 4th Street in Fairbury, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.
Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at American Legion Home, 600 South 4th Street in Fairbury, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.

Vermilion County
Dec. 2 from 2-6 p.m. at Community Church of God, 535 S. Bowman Ave. in Danville, Ill.

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