Throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross celebrates the contributions of thousands of volunteer blood donors in our area who give the gift of life with every blood donation.

January has been designated National Blood Donor Month to raise awareness of blood donation during the time of year when blood supplies often fall to their lowest levels.

Donations traditionally decline during the post-holiday season, due to busy schedules and inclement weather which can prevent people from keeping donation appointments. At the same time, the need for blood remains constant in the early months of the year.

Giving blood is a way to support the community by helping to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, or the many people who suffer accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions.

National Blood Donor Month not only honors those who give blood each year, but is also a time to educate and encourage new donors about the importance of giving blood. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and, therefore, must continually be replenished. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or up to six times a year.

This year, you can make a difference. All it takes is your willingness to help someone in need and a pint of your blood. 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.

The following blood drives will be held in Polk County:

On Tuesday, Jan. 4, the First Baptist Church of Saluda will hold its blood drive at 213 Henderson Street in Saluda from 2 6:30 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets.

On Monday, Jan. 10, the Polk Community Blood Drive will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located on Melrose Avenue in Tryon, from 12:30 5 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets.

All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.