Busy schedules and travel during the late December holiday weeks typically lead to the lowest donor turnout of the year, according to Vitalant, the nonprofit blood donation organization serving the Minot area. Because the need for lifesaving blood remains constant and critical, a series of upcoming area blood drives has been scheduled.

As an extra thank you for donating, Vitalant is offering December donors the chance to win the Big $20,000 Giveaway. One donor’s name will be drawn to win a prepaid gift card of their choice. Those who donate from Dec. 14-Jan. 4 and opt-in to Vitalant Donor Rewards will get a $15 gift card and a mystery item from the Rewards store. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O and platelet donors. Type O can help the most patients because of its compatibility. Platelets often help cancer patients.

Prospective donors can contact Vitalant to make an appointment or donate at an upcoming blood drive.

Area blood drives are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 29, at the BX Commissary at Minot Air Force Base; Tuesday, Dec. 23, 802 Lincoln Ave., Harvey; and Friday, Dec. 19, Garrison Civic Auditorium, Garrison.