MANCHESTER — Make an appointment now — and keep it, because there are plenty of patients out there counting on life-saving transfusions at a time when the blood supply is at its lowest point in more than a decade.

That’s according to Mary Brant, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross of Northern New England, who also announced Tuesday that the agency is sweetening the pot a bit by rewarding donors “who answer the call to help” from Nov. 1-12 with the chance to win an “epic trip,” while those who donate between Nov. 1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

“With Thanksgiving and the (winter) holidays approaching … patients are counting on blood and platelet donors as the shortage that has significantly impacted the nation’s blood supply continues,” Brant said.

The Red Cross has also released a list of upcoming November blood drives throughout New Hampshire. The schedule for drives taking place in Greater Nashua and contact information for appointments are listed below.

Meanwhile, Brant said, “thousands of people have come to Red Cross blood drives across the country” since the agency declared an emergency need for donors last month.

“The Red Cross is incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity of these blood and platelet donors, but hospital demand remains strong. At least 10,000 more donations are needed each week in the coming weeks to meet patient needs – ahead of the upcoming holiday season, which always presents seasonal challenges to blood collection,” Brant said.

About the “epic trip” contest: “In honor of the new series, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” those who come to donate blood from Nov. 1-12 will automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Amazon Prime Video. The trip will transport winners to where the series was filmed, and includes round-trip airfare for two, hotel accommodations for nine nights, meals, $1,000 gift card for expenses and on-trip transportation with tour stops from Honolulu to Maui.

Donors who come to donate between Nov. 1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

“Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now,” Brant said. To do so, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The drive schedules for Nashua and area towns:

* Nashua

Nov. 4: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nashua Lodge of Elks, 12 Murphy Drive

Nov. 5: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Nashua Lodge of Elks

Nov. 9: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sky Meadow Country Club, 6 Mountain Laurels Drive

Nov. 15: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nashua Baptist Church, 555 Broad St.; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Nashua Lodge of Elks, 12 Murphy Drive

Nov. 18: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nashua Lodge of Elks

Nov. 23: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Nashua Lodge of Elks

* Hudson

Nov. 17: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., White Birth Banquet Hall, 222 Central St.

* Merrimack

Nov. 2: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road

Nov. 16: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m, St. John Neumann Church

Nov. 17: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. James Methodist Church, 646 Daniel Webster Highway

Nov. 18: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road

* Hollis

Nov. 13: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hollis Congregational Church, 3 Monument Square

* Milford

Nov. 12: Noon – 5 p.m., Masonic Temple, 30 Mont Vernon St.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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