All seasons should be times for kindness and giving. But the rapidly approaching Thanksgiving-Christmas time of year is always in the brightest of spotlights.

One way — if able — that we all can help is to make a donation to the American Red Cross which is asking would-be donors to schedule time to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply stable ahead of the busy holiday season. Just one generous hour of time could be the lifesaving difference for patients in need.

Not that any incentive should be needed but as a thank you the American Red Cross will give each person donating blood, platelets or plasma from Oct. 27-Nov. 16 a $20 in e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Also, during National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, the Red Cross wants to help empower and educate our blood donors. All successful blood and platelet donations will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for pre-diabetes and diabetes. (One test result in 12-month period; do not fast before donating).

Following are upcoming local blood donation opportunities:

–Nov. 3, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 3, Salem Elks Lodge 305, 824 E. State St.

–Nov. 4, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Free Methodist Church, 16260 St. Clair Ave., East Liverpool.

–Nov. 10, 7:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Beaver Local High School, 46090 Bell School Road.

–Nov. 12, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Das Dutch Village Inn, 150 Ohio 14, Columbiana.

–Nov. 12, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Leetonia High School, 450 Walnut St.

–Nov. 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Salem Regional Medical Center, 1995 E. State St.

For information visit: https://www.redcross.org