As we’ve said, this is the season of giving. Some people give money, some donate food items to help those in need.

But an even greater need for health care is a reliable supply of blood.

In Minnesota, the American Red Cross collects and distributes blood to health care facilities. It is constantly working to make sure that those of us who may need blood — and that could be any one of us, at any time — will have it when we need it.

Right now, the Red Cross is struggling to keep an adequate supply. It has been for months, and the combination of the holidays and concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic have discouraged many people from giving as they normally would.

The Red Cross and its health care partners are issuing urgent calls for people to sign up for appointments to give blood.

Opportunities are coming up Blood drives are scheduled:

• Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Grace Lutheran Church, 300 S. Grant St. in Fairmont.

• 1-7 p.m. Monday, Jan 3 at Shiloh Lutheran Church, 108 Jay St. in Elmore.