Every January since 1970, the American Red Cross has joined blood collection organizations across the United States to honor blood donors during National Blood Donor Month.

Nearly all blood transfused to hospital patients in the U.S. comes from volunteer donors. About 8 million people volunteered to give blood last year, four million through the Red Cross.

“Blood donors are very special people,” says Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “They’re people who give of themselves, without any thought of reward other than to help someone else in their time of need.”

January is typically a difficult month for blood collections since winter weather and the demands of the New Year can make it hard for donors to get out and give. “But the need for blood is constant,” Whitman says. “Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.”

This year alone, as many as five million patients will require blood transfusions for medical treatments related to accidents, surgery or serious diseases like cancer or leukemia. About 38,000 units of blood are needed on any given day, amounting to up to 15 million units annually.

From noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 106 E. County Road 1100 North, Chesterton. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 2 to 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 2 to 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Duneland Health & Wellness Institute, 810 Michael Drive, Chesterton. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Valparaiso University in the Union-Great Hall, 1400 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 16 at Porter-Starke Service, 701 Wall St., Valparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 2 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Parkview Elementary School, 1405 Wood St., Valparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 1 to 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at St. Teresa of Avilla in the community room at 1511 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 20 at Opportunity Enterprises, 2801 Evans Ave., Valparaiso. Call (219) 464-9621, ext. 218. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Franciscan Hall, 356 W. County Road 700 North, Vaparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at Nativity of Our Savior in the gymnasium/fellowship Hall, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage. Call (219) 762-4858 to schedule an appointment. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

From 2 to 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Memorial Elementary School in the cafeteria/gymnasium, 1052 Park Ave., Valparaiso. Give blood or platelets through Jan. 31 to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good, general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to schedule your blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

All blood drives are open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 791 E. 83rd Ave., Merrillville, is open from 8 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (800) 448-3543.