The American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood this month. According to a Red Cross press release, Type O negative blood donors are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.

Donors can schedule an appointment this December by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) RED-CROSS (733-2767).

Those who donate Dec. 16 through Jan. 3 will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on both offers.

There are also upcoming blood drives where donations can be made. They are: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 19, WellWay, 2551 Norterre Circle, Liberty; noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 19, First United Methodist Church of Kearney, 1000 E. Missouri Highway 92; 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Clay County Rooney Justice Center, 11 S. Water St.; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 26, Gladstone Community Center, 6901 N. Holmes St.; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 30, First Presbyterian Church of Liberty, 138 N. Main St., Liberty; and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Clay County Public Health Center, 800 Haines Drive in Liberty.