LANSING — The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to be the lifeline for patients in need this holiday season by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.

In addition to helping to save lives, those who come out to give Nov. 18 to Dec. 18 will also receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Restrictions apply. Additionally, those who come to give Nov. 27 to 30 will receive an exclusive long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

The Red Cross representatives also offered three other reasons to donate:

• It can be quick and easy to find a convenient blood drive. Search for drives by ZIP code and make an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

• Donors can save time by completing a RapidPass. The entire donation process only takes about an hour, but donors can save time with RapidPass. Pre-donation reading and health history questions can be completed online to save about 15 minutes.

• Donors will get important health information. Donors receive a mini-health screening to help determine eligibility that includes blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin readings. First-time donors will also find out their blood type soon after donating.

As schedules fill with holiday parties, shopping and fun with friends and family, many blood and platelet donors delay giving. Unfortunately, that may lead to delays in treatments for patients relying on blood, Red Cross officials said. Right now, there is a critical need for type O blood donors.

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1 (800) 733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, officials said.

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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

• 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Nov. 20 — Caretel Inns of Lakeland, 3905 Lorraine Path, St. Joseph

• Noon to 5:45 p.m. Nov. 21 — Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven

• 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 22 — Marcellus High School, 303 W. Arbor St., Marcellus

• 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 25 — Bangor High School Annex, 799 W. Arlington, Bangor

• Noon to 5:45 p.m. Nov. 29 — Federated Church, 65418 Red Arrow Hwy., Hartford

• Noon to 5:45 p.m. Nov. 29 — Hilton Garden Inn, 1300 Cinema Way, Benton Harbor

• Noon to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 10 — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1409 Niles Buchanan Road, Niles

• Noon to 5:45 p.m., Dec. 11 — Knights of Columbus, 32373 East Red Arrow Hwy., Paw Paw

• 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 18 — Caretel Inns of Lakeland, 3905 Lorraine Path, St. Joseph