The best gifts can’t be bought in a store. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give more life by giving blood this December.

Alison Wissen knows the power of blood donations. She received 22 units of blood products after experiencing complications during childbirth. “I truly owe my life to blood donors,” she said. “Even the skilled hands of my surgeons could not have saved me without the blood.” Because of blood and platelet donors, Wissen will celebrate the holidays with her three children and husband.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give the most important gift – give blood and give more life. To encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 16-31

Avondale

12/22/2017: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Walgreens, 1451 N. Dysart Rd.

Chandler

12/16/2017: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Basis Chandler, 4825 S Arizona Ave

12/19/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chandler Gilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W Frye Rd.

12/23/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., ISKCON Hindu Temple, 100 S Weber Dr. 

Glendale

12/24/2017: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Boot Barn, 7909 W Campo Bello Drive 

Goodyear

12/16/2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dream Swirls, 15570 W. Van Buren St., Suite D-101

12/31/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Texas Roadhouse, 15255 W McDowell Rd

Laveen

12/27/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cesar Chavez Library, 3635 W Baseline 

Mesa

12/19/2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., SalonCentric, 832 W Baseline Rd

12/22/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., 1 on 1 Boxing Fitness, 1833 W Main St, Suite 120

12/22/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., VCA, 1648 N Country Club Dr

12/27/2017: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Walmart #5428, 1710 S. Greenfield Rd

12/28/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Earnhardt Toyota, 6136 E Auto Loop Drive

Phoenix

12/17/2017: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd

12/20/2017: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Madison Gardens, 808 E. Missouri Ave.

12/20/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, 4747 N. 22nd St. Suite 100

12/21/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Yucca Library, 5648 N 15th Ave

12/21/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Mountain Community Library, 7050 South 24th St.

12/24/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Biltmore, 2001 East Highland Avenue

12/27/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 East Chandler Boulevard

12/28/2017: 10 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Saguaro Branch Library, 2808 N 46th St

12/29/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., MidFirst Bank, 3030 E. Camelback Road

12/30/2017: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Altera Highland, 1601 East Highland Avenue

Scottsdale

12/18/2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Arabian Library, 10215 E McDowell Mt Ranch Rd

12/19/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Frys Food Store, 6321 E. Greenway Rd.

12/20/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th St

12/21/2017: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cattle Track Arts Compound, 6105 N Cattletrack Road

12/26/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Scottsdale Promenade, 16427 N Scottsdale Rd

Tempe

12/26/2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Springhill Suites, 1601 W Rio Salado Pkwy