Area residents will have two opportunities to donate at “Fill the Pantry” blood drives near Thanksgiving.

At these blood drives, blood donors who bring an item of food for the food pantry can enter a drawing to win a $100 grocery gift card.

Food items should be nonperishable, unopened, and not in glass containers. Official rules are found at www.communityblood.org.

The blood drives will run from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Wednesday, Nov. 29. The drive will both be held in the Trig’s Riverwalk Centre, at 232 S. Courtney Street in Rhinelander.

“We’re encouraging people to donate before Thanksgiving to help ensure that the hospitals receive an ample blood supply,” Jan Hadsell at the blood center said. “If you want to give back this Thanksgiving, consider donating blood. It’s a great way to help others.”

During last year’s “Fill the Pantry” promotion, Community Blood Center blood donors gave more than 850 food items at blood drives and donor centers and organizers seek to meet or beat that number this year.

Advance donation appointments are highly recommended, and may be made by calling the Community Blood Center at 800-280-4102 or visiting www.save3lives.org. Walk-in donors are welcome, but scheduling an appointment keeps the total time required for a donation to less than an hour.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and bring a photo ID. Donors are encouraged to eat a regular meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating.