The holidays are a time to spend with loved ones and a time to reflect. People donate blood because they care. People donate blood because they want to help save lives. But most importantly, people donate blood because they can. Thousands of people donate blood in our area each year, and their generous gift has helped save countless live. With every donation, there's always a reason behind it

Limestone College is sponsoring a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

During the winter holiday season, blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day due to holiday preparations and travel, but the need for blood remains constant. It's important to take the time to give the gift of life during these coming months.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States need blood. The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorder and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

The Red Cross encourages people who are in good health to donate so that hospital patients have the blood or platelets they need to make a fully recovery. Blood is needed to help treat a variety of patients including accident victims and individuals undergoing surgery and cancer treatment.

Blood can be safely donated ever 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meed specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to locate a nearby blood drive, call 1-00- GIVELIFE (488-3543) or visit RedCrossBlood. org. You can also contact the ARC Service Center of Cherokee County at 864-489-6066.