RALEIGH — Three blood drives have been scheduled in Lumberton to help meet seasonal needs for blood and platelets.

The first drive is to take place 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at OP Owens Auditorium, located at 455 Caton Road. The second is set for 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday at Saddletree Community Center, located at 1031 Mt. Olive Church Road. The third is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 15 at Southeastern Health, 300 N. 27th. St.

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donors to make an appointment to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.

A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel, according to the American Red Cross. And severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and reduce the blood supply.

Donors can make an appointment to donate blood and platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People who give between now and Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.