Two “Pay it Forward” community blood drives will be held in Rhinelander during the holiday season, Thursday, Dec. 26 and Thursday Jan. 2.

Both blood drives will run from noon to 6 p.m. at the Trig’s Riverwalk Center, at 232 S. Courtney Street in Rhinelander.

The drives are “Pay it Forward” blood drives, where blood donors can enter a drawing to win two $50 gift cards. Winners will be encouraged to use one gift card and give the other gift card to someone in need, “Paying it Forward” this holiday season. Official rules are found at www.communityblood.org.

Donations of all blood types are needed. Donations from people with O-, A-, B-, and O+ blood are especially needed.

“It seems that everyone’s busy, but I encourage you to take a break and set aside an hour to give blood. Blood donations drop significantly the last week of December, and you can feel great knowing that you helped someone in a special way this holiday season,” Jan Hadsell of the blood center said.

Advance donation appointments are 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 helps ensure a fast and convenient process.

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.