The American Red Cross is asking everyone to consider donating blood and platelets before the end of the year, and they are offering free long-sleeve T-shirts to donors.

According to Red Cross officials, most people put off donating blood through the holidays because they are traveling — but there are still trauma patients in emergency rooms across the state and country who need that blood. The need for blood and platelets is constant, officials said.

To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering a free T-shirt through Jan. 2, while supplies last.

Schedule an appointment to donate blood by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor cell phone application.

• In Oneida County, there will be blood drives in Rome on Dec. 22, 23 and 28; in Utica on Dec. 30; in Whitesboro on Dec. 23; and in Prospect on Dec. 23.
• In Herkimer County, there will be blood drives in Herkimer on Dec. 27; in Dolgeville on Dec. 22; in Newport on Dec. 28; and in West Winfield on Dec. 28.
• In Madison County, there will be blood drives in Oneida on Dec. 23, 27 and 29; and in Cazenovia on Dec. 29.