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During this season of sharing and caring, the American Red Cross would like you to consider starting a new holiday tradition this year.

While most people are enjoying this joyous time of year with family, friends and colleagues, hundreds of individuals are fighting for their lives in area hospitals. For these people, and their loved ones, the holidays seem very different.

Make giving blood a new holiday tradition. Visit the American Red Cross blood drive at The Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Donor hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 pm and all blood types are needed.

Less than eight percent of people who are eligible to donate blood actually do, and blood donations are always especially needed around the holidays. Many families and businesses have developed holiday traditions over the years, often involving worthy causes. The Red Cross urges anyone seeking to start a holiday tradition to think about giving blood together with friends and family.

Amid the happy chaos of the holidays, please take a moment to think of the people who may not be so lucky. By giving blood, you will be sharing your good health. By giving blood with loved ones and friends, you'll also be sharing quality time in one of the most meaningful ways possible.

The American Red Cross needs your help to ensure that no patient need goes unmet this holiday season. Blood must be available before it is needed to help save the lives of accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and other people who need this lifesaving gift. There are hundreds of people who need blood every day, even on holidays. These people could be your family, friends or neighbors.

For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.new englandblood.org.