As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.

To meet that goal, several blood drives will be held locally in the coming weeks.

With people traveling away from home for the holidays or recovering from winter illness, fewer donors are usually available during this time. Those who come out to give from Thursday through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

• Bradford, 1 to 6 p.m., Dec. 30, Family Video, 102 W. Washington St.;

• Shinglehouse, 1 to 6 p.m., Jan. 3, First Baptist Church, 120 W. Academy St.;

• Kersey, from 2 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.;

• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 11, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.;

• Weedville, 1 to 6 p.m., Jan. 12, American Legion, Route 255; and

• Ridgway, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 13, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.

To donate, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

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.