This holiday season, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is thanking blood donors in Northeast Florida with a $20 e-gift card from Dec. 11 through Jan. 2. Donors will also receive a special holiday gift for giving the gift of life.

During this time of year, the need for blood at local hospitals increases — while nationally, donations decrease due to busy schedules, travel and poor weather. LifeSouth encourages all eligible and first-time donors to give this holiday season to save lives in our community. The national blood supply is at a critical low due to COVID-19, and every donation will make an impact.

LifeSouth is the primary provider of blood to many Northeast Florida hospitals, including UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North, Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, Memorial Hospital, Orange Park Medical Center and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

To donate, visit a LifeSouth donor center or bloodmobile. To find a location near you visit lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo I.D. is required.