The American Red Cross plans to hold two blood drives later this month in Seymour.

The first is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut St., while the second will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 at Seymour Community Center, 107 N. Chestnut St.

As the holidays approach and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns about a potential spike in flu cases this year, it’s important that those who are eligible, healthy and feeling well make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, according to a news release from the Red Cross.

The Red Cross continues to address an ongoing emergency blood shortage, and donors are urged to give now to combat the lowest blood supply levels at this time of year in more than a decade.

There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster so long as they are symptom-free. Donors are urged to schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.

To encourage donors to help meet the needs of hospital patients this month, all who come to donate now through Nov. 23 will receive a $10 amazon.com gift card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to give around the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 24 to 28 will receive a pair of Red Cross socks while supplies last.