Health-care providers at City of Hope and other medical centers see a dramatic need for donated blood for patients during the holidays — but City of Hope employees can help significantly by giving the gift of life.

“December and January are typically challenging months for blood collection. Many of our donors are out of town, doing shopping, running errands or otherwise busy,” said Jill Schwarz, manager of whole blood and platelet recruitment, “but City of Hope doesn’t take a break from saving lives, so our need for blood products remains strong and consistent year-round, especially this time of year.”

The demand is crucial for platelets since they are used frequently after cancer treatments and because they only have a shelf life of about two days after collection and testing.

The Blood Donor Center takes appointments Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This month’s donors may also receive a holiday grab bag filled with goodies for participating.

To make an appointment or for more information about donating, please call 626-471-7171 or visit www.cityofhope.org/BloodDonorCenter.