WISCONSIN — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to be the lifeline for patients in need this holiday season by making an appointment to give blood. 

While helping to save lives is likely motivation enough, those who come out to give Nov. 18 through Dec. 18 will also receive a $5 Amazon gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. Additionally, those who come to give Nov. 27-30 will receive an exclusive long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The entire donation process only takes about an hour, but donors can save time by completing a RapidPass. Pre-donation reading and health history questions can be completed online to save about 15 minutes.

Donors receive a mini-health screening to help determine eligibility that includes blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin readings. First-time donors will also find out their blood type soon after donating.

Restrictions apply to gift card, see amazon.com/gc-legal. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities for Green and Lafayette Counties:

●  Monroe:  11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Monroe United Methodist Church, 2227 4th St.

●  Monroe:  12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Monroe Middle School, 1510 13th St.

●  Monroe:  12:30 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 at Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave.

●  Juda: 1 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 26 at Juda High School, N2385 Spring St.

●  Monticello: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Monticello High School, 334 S Main St.

●  Argyle: 1 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Argyle High School, 14665 WI-78

●  Blanchardville: 1 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at American Legion, 218 Mason St.