RI Blood Center Experiencing 'Severe' Blood Shortage: How To Give

PROVIDENCE, RI — It's the season of giving and the Rhode Island Blood Center is urging residents to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life. The organization is currently experiencing a "severe" blood shortage, at a time when donations tend to lag.

The organization asked eligible Rhode Islanders to make it a priority to give blood "in an effort to reverse the trend of blood shortages, which worsen during the holidays."

"The best gift you could give is some peace of mind that the blood your friends and neighbors need will be there to help," RIBC wrote on Facebook. "Thank you in advance for stepping up to help someone else during the extraordinarily challenging time!"

The Blood Center will hold a drive at Warwick's Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All donors will be entered to win tickets to the Jan. 2 New England vs. Jacksonville football game.

Find a blood drive or donation center near you on the organization's website.