The Polk County American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Chapter (231 Ward Street, Columbus) Thursday, December 3 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Call 828-894-2700 for more information or to schedule your appointment to donate.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of three pairs of Delta Airline tickets.

The Red Cross says that during the winter holiday season, blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Years Day due to holiday preparations and travel, but the need for blood remains constant. Its important to take the time to give the gift of life during these coming months.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand.

Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

The Red Cross encourages people who are in good health to donate so that hospital patients have the blood or platelets they need to make a full recovery. Blood is needed to help treat a variety of patients including accident victims and individuals undergoing surgery and cancer treatment.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to locate a nearby blood drive, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.