The American Red Cross encourages the community to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

More than 3 million generous people donated blood through the Red Cross last year. The Red Cross salutes these volunteer blood donors who helped fulfill its lifesaving mission and invites others to roll up a sleeve and join them.

Kathy Huey became a donor after encouragement from her husband, who has given more than 11 gallons of blood. “I love the fact that I’m helping others by giving a little bit of my time,” she said. “It’s simple and easy and helps save lives – what could be better?”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.

Extra reason to give in April: Those who come to give blood in Central Ohio with the Red Cross this April can enter to win a getway for two to the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, including a zip-line tour for two from Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. In addition, they can also enter to win four tickets to a Cedar Fair amusment partk of their choice and have access to purchase additional park passes at a discount, including to Cedar Point, Kings Island, and other Cedar Fair parks.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

CRAWFORD COUNTY

Bucyrus

4/5/2016: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Amvets Post 27 – Bucyrus, 235 E Galen St

Galion

4/12/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Galion Alliance Church, 430 Portland Way N

4/13/2016: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Northmor High School, 7819 Ohio 19

KNOX COUNTY

Centerburg

4/8/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Centerburg High School, 3782 Columbus Road

Martinsburg

4/6/2016: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Church of Christ, 126 E.South Street

4/6/2016: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Church of Christ, 126 E.South Street

MORROW COUNTY

Cardington

4/9/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cardington First United Methodist Church, 300 South Marion Street

Iberia

4/14/2016: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Iberia United Methodist Church, 3664 OH-309

Marengo

4/8/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Marengo United Methodist Church, 8 N. Main Street

Mount Gilead

4/13/2016: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mt. Gilead High School, 338 Park Avenue

RICHLAND COUNTY

Butler

4/8/2016: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Mohican Wood Products, 20460 Nunda

Mansfield

4/4/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Richland Blood Donation Center, 39 N Park Street

4/4/2016: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ontario United Methodist Church, 3540 Park Avenue West

4/6/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Richland Blood Donation Center, 39 N Park Street

4/11/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Richland Blood Donation Center, 39 N Park Street

4/11/2016: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Mansfield Engineered Components, 1776 Harrington Memorial

4/13/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Richland Blood Donation Center, 39 N Park Street

4/15/2016: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, 335 Glessner Ave

4/15/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Richland Mall, 2209 Richland Mall