Christmas is a colorful season, but the American Red Cross is most interested in red and white.
For those who are in a giving mood, there are many chances to donate blood coming up in the next few weeks, both in Fulton and throughout the county.
First up is the Auxvasse Lions Club blood drive, planned for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grand Prairie Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-733-2767 or sign up at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code AuxvasseMO.
"Hosting a blood drive coincides with Auxvasse Lions core values of giving back to the community," Lion Donal Knipp said. "With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor. The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood."
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and it's often used to treat trauma patients.
Other dates for donations
Dec. 2 - 3-7 p.m., St. Peter Church (700 Route Z, Fulton)
Dec. 3 - 1-6 p.m., Westminster College (501 Westminster Ave., Fulton)
Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Fulton Medical Center (10 Hospital Drive, Fulton), and 12:30-4:30 p.m., First Prebyterian Church (718 Court St., Fulton)
Dec. 11 - noon-5 p.m., New Bloomfield High School (307 Redwood Drive, New Bloomfield)
Dec. 13 - 2:30-6:30 p.m., North Callaway High School (2700 Thunderbird Drive, Kingdom City)
Dec. 17 - 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fulton State Hospital (600 E. 5th St., Fulton)
Dec. 18 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Fulton State Hospital (600 E. 5th St., Fulton)
Dec. 20 - 3-7 p.m., The Lighthouse Church (2848 County Road 147, Kingdom City)