American Red Cross officials say across the country blood supply levels are are at historic lows. In fact, the need is so severe, the Red Cross warns, “If more donors don’t come forward to give blood, some patients requiring a transfusion may potentially face delays in care.”

That’s frightening, ladies and gentlemen — and entirely preventable. Becoming a donor is simple and safe. And right now, the Red Cross is so desperate for blood donations, the organization is even throwing in a free long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt for those who give blood between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2.

It shouldn’t take a free T-shirt to prompt one to give blood that could save a life. But if that’s what pushes someone over the edge, so be it. And, by the way, if you are the sort of person who is used to doing the right thing for the health of your community, there is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, as long as those people are symptom-free.

According to Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:

∫ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Jackson General Hospital Learning Center in Ripley.

∫ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Parkersburg Blood Donation Center.

∫ Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at South Parkersburg Baptist Church.

∫ Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at First Baptist Church in Williamstown.

∫ 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at New Martinsville United Methodist Church.

Appointments for donations can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

It is the season of giving. But the best gifts aren’t always wrapped up under a tree. If you are eligible and able, please consider giving a precious gift to someone you will probably never meet, and sign up to donate blood this season.