The winter holiday season is the most difficult time of the year to maintain Arizona’s blood supply, and Apache Junction residents can help by attending a Vitalant blood donor event planned in December.

They are:

• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Apache Junction High School’s south gym, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive;
• 7-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, with the bloodmobile at Dolce Vita, 3301 S. Goldfield Road; and
• 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, with the bloodmobile at Apache Junction Public Library, 1177 N. Idaho Road.

Make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-258-4825.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially the universal blood type O.

“Holiday blood donors are urgently needed,” Sid Lewis, vice president for the Vitalant Southwest Division, said in a release. “Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, donations given in December can help save lives through New Year’s Day and beyond.”

In appreciation for building holiday blood supplies, Vitalant is thanking all donors through Dec. 17 with a $10 gift card. For more information, go to vitalant.org/thankyougift.