Organizers for the Canadian Blood Services are asking for more donations as the year comes to a close.

Folks are encouraged to ‘Give a Holiday Miracle’ by donating blood during the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Collecting blood during the holiday season is a challenge, as many donors go away or are busy with other activities.

During this week and next, Canadian Blood Services estimates a need of 25,000 units of blood to give holiday miracles to hospital patients across Canada.

In order to meet this blood collection goal, they still need 3,000 more Canadians to book appointments and donate blood between now and the end of the holiday season.

In Red Deer, officials say they need 385 donors to donate blood between now and Jan. 5th in order to help meet hospital demand.

“We’d like to thank Canadians who took the time to donate blood so far this holiday season, but we need that generosity to continue through the end of the year, particularly the days after Christmas right up to the first week of the New Year,” said Kaelyn Smith, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services.

“As the year draws to an end, do something that embodies the spirit and generosity of the season – give blood. It costs you nothing, and it’ll give someone a holiday miracle.”

Those interested in donating can drop by the office on Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

Dec. 28 & 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They will be closed Jan. 1-2.

There will also be a Sylvan Lake Mobile Clinic set up Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Centre.

Visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book an appointment to donate.

-Weber