PELHAM – The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 21, at the Pelham Civic Complex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Blood and platelet donations often decline during the holidays when regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel.

Snowstorms and extreme weather conditions in parts of the United States this month have forced dozens of blood drive cancellations and donation center closures. As a result, thousands of blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected.

Donors are urged to give to ensure that patients don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter.

“Medical treatments and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays,” said Laura McCormick with the Red Cross.

McCormick said the Red Cross must collect more than 2,500 platelet and 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Blood and platelets are used for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

To find a blood drive near you, and to make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. Appointments are encouraged, but not required.