With the holidays in full swing, the Red Cross askes people to set aside an hour to give the most important gift this December — give blood and give more life.

Alison Wissen knows the power of blood donations. She received 22 units of blood products after experiencing complications during childbirth.

“I truly owe my life to blood donors,” she said. “Even the skilled hands of my surgeons could not have saved me without the blood.”

Because of blood and platelet donors, Wissen will celebrate the holidays with her three children and husband, Red Cross officials said.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady.

To encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21, through Jan. 7, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

People may download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Upcoming blood donation 

opportunities, Dec. 16-31:

Berrien County

Wednesday, Dec. 20

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

American Red Cross

3838 Niles Road, St. Joseph

Tuesday, Dec. 26

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Chapel Hill United Methodist Church

4071 Naomi Road, Sodus

Friday, Dec. 29

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

American Red Cross

3838 Niles Road, St. Joseph

Cass County

Monday, Dec. 18

1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Edwardsburg American Legion

25751 US-12, Edwardsburg

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Pleasant View Church of Christ

60550 Crooked Creek Road, Cassopolis

Friday, Dec. 29

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church

210 North Front St., Dowagiac

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families, organization representatives said. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit the charity on Twitter, at @RedCross.