Upcoming blood drives planned

AREA — The American Red Cross, Northern New England Blood Services Region will hold blood drives in cities and towns throughout Maine. Blood donations are needed to meet the basic need for Maine hospitals this fall.

The American Red Cross urges those who are eligible to help meet the need by donating blood. All presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives throughout the month will be eligible to win a $200 gift card toward the cost of home heating, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

The winner may use the card with their existing home fuel company. Presenting donors can also enter to win a vintage Godin Fifth Avenue Guitar with case. Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are non-transferable.

Monday, November 5 - Gibson Recreation Center in Fryeburg, 12-5 p.m.

Friday, November 9 - Gould Academy in Bethel, 12-5 p.m.

Monday, November 19 - VFW Hall in Harrison, 1-6 p.m.

Friday, November 30 - Masonic Lodge in Buckfield, 1-6 p.m.

The American Red Cross Donor Center, located at 524 Forest Avenue in Portland, is open for donations Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first and third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please check out redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS to find a blood drive near you.