The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give the lifesaving gift of a blood donation in December, a time when donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady.

Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Dec. 22 through Jan. 8, 2017, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Those in the Midcoast may want to donate blood on Dec. 28 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Bath Middle School, 6 Old Brunswick Road, Bath.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.