Donate blood in Sumter, Clarendon and get a gift card

In this giving season, one type of donation can save lives.

More than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to the American Red Cross. Donating blood or platelets will help the organization ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients through the holiday season.

Those with Type O blood are especially needed.

Make an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

To thank those who help meet the need for blood and platelet donations, those who come in through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card via email.

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES

Dec. 18: Noon-4:30 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive

Dec. 18: Noon-5 p.m., Palmetto Health Tuomey, 129 N. Washington St.

Dec. 19: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Arts & Letters Building, 109 Miller Road

Dec. 26: 2-7 p.m., Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St.

Dec. 31: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Veritas Church, 822 S. Guignard Drive

A blood drive will also be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at McLeod Health Clarendon, 10 E. Hospital St., Manning.

All donors will receive a $10 VISA card and an ugly sweater shirt.

To make an appointment, visit donate.thebloodconnection.org and search for McLeod Health Clarendon.