As we’ve said, this is the season of giving. Some people give money, some donate food items to help those in need.

But an even greater need for health care is a reliable supply of blood.

In Minnesota, the American Red Cross collects and distributes blood to health care facilities. It is constantly working to make sure that those of us who may need blood — and that could be any one of us, at any time — will have it when we need it.

Right now, the Red Cross is struggling to keep an adequate supply. It has been for months, and the combination of the holidays and concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic have discouraged many people from giving as they normally would.

The Red Cross and its health care partners are issuing urgent calls for people to sign up for appointments to give blood.

Opportunities are coming up this month and next. Blood drives are scheduled:

Upcoming donation opportunities

Hanska – Dec. 17: 1- 6 p.m., Community Center, 201 Broadway St.

New Ulm – Dec. 23: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1515 N Garden St.; Dec. 29: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., New Ulm High School, 1600 Oak St.

Arlington – Dec. 17,: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sibley East High School, 202 Third Ave. NW

Henderson – Dec. 28: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Minnesota New Country School, 210 Main St.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive Jan. 12 through Jan.14. at Vogel Fieldhouse in New Ulm.

Donation times are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 12; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14.

Donors are encouraged to visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.