ALBANY, GA -- Before you head out of town for the holidays, the American Red Cross is asking you to give back.

The organization is reminding Southwest Georgians to give blood this time of year. Blood expires every 42 days, creating a constant need for donations.

Lena Thomas is with the Albany Donation Center. She says with more people out on the roads, there’s a greater chance of accidents, and a greater need for blood donations. “A lot of people are leaving home and not in their normal routine so they forget to come by and donate blood. So we try to encourage them to come by this holiday season and give the perfect gift this year the gift of life, give blood,” says Thomas.

The Donation Center on Dawson Road is open Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. if anyone would like to donate.