Michigan residents can give at least three meaningful gifts this holiday season without visiting stores, browsing catalogs, or shopping on-line.

By donating blood through the American Red Cross in the next few weeks, community members can help save the lives of up to three people, and help offset the slump in blood collections that typically occurs around the winter holidays.

“We’re hopeful the holidays will inspire people to give the gift of life and help hospital patients who depend on steady, consistent blood collections year-round,” said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the Great Lakes Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “What other gift can you give in about an hour that can help save someone’s life?”

The following list highlights upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in the area through January 18, 2010.

Dec. 28 – Bannister ZCBJ Hall, 401 E. Main St., Bannister, 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Dec. 29 – Gratiot Medical Center, 300 Warwick, Alma, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Jan. 5 – Ithaca Community Center, 122 N. Maple, Ithaca, 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 18 – Alma College – Stone Recreation Center, 614 W. Superior St., Alma, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.  Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.