Residents have two opportunities before the middle of January to donate blood through American Red Cross blood drives.

According to the Red Cross, a seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply.

As a special Thank You for helping meet the urgent need, those who donate between December 20 and January 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

A blood drive during that time frame has been scheduled on Thursday, December 27, from 1 to 6 pm, at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.

In addition, Newtown Lions Club will be sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, January 8, from 8:30 am until 6:30 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

Donors must be at least age 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors age 18 and under also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Appointments are available; call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit [naviga:u]redcrossblood.org[/naviga:u].

Upcoming blood drives are also scheduled in Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Monroe, New Fairfield, Ridgefield, Shelton, Sherman, and Trumbull, among Fairfield County locations. Visit [naviga:u]the website[/naviga:u] for details.