ALLENTOWN, Pa. – January is National Blood Donor Month, and after the holidays, the American Red Cross says this is a critical time for lifesaving donations.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was at the nonprofit Wednesday morning in Allentown with how you can help.

Peter Brown, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross, said donations tend to dip this time of year due to the holidays and the winter weather. Every time a blood drive is canceled or has to be postponed, that can create the potential for a shortage, he said.

He says the Red Cross is in a good position right now, but the organization just wants to get ahead of the situation so that it can avoid any potential shortage.

Once people start donating blood, they can donate about every two months, he said.

Brown said donors who haven’t had an appointment in the last 60 days are encouraged to reach out and schedule another donation.

Blood donors are guaranteed to have an impact and can potentially save somebody’s life, Brown said.

Brown noted 90% of the organization’s workforce are volunteers. 

He said he works with hundreds of volunteers that support activities across the American Red Cross’ 9-county chapter.

“We could not be the Red Cross without the support of volunteers,” he said.

If you like meeting people and want to do something that adds value to your community, consider becoming a Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador, he said.

Brown said they are the people who greet donors when they come in, help them do the initial questionnaire, and keep an eye on people after they have donated.

Anyone who donates between now and Jan. 25 are eligible for a drawing to win two tickets to the Super Bowl, along with hotel accommodations, and money for expenses and travel. The organization is partnering with Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has come out strongly in support of blood donations, he said.

To find a blood drive near you, you can go to redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code. You can then schedule an appointment to donate blood.

People can track their donations through the organization’s app.