Early bird shoppers save 30 percent. Half off sale starts today. Buy one, get one free ends Saturday.

Tis the season and everyones searching for the perfect gift that doesnt break the bank. The more money saved, the more there is to spend. Still, many of us struggle to find the perfect gift.

What if, for just one day, you forget the sales and choose to save a life instead? Donating blood helps save up to three lives and the only cost is an hour of your time. If just 10 percent of Americans give blood this holiday season, 34.2 million lives might be saved.

So, as you flip through circulars and scan retail web sites, take a moment to log on to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and make an appointment to give blood.

On Thursday, December 2, the Polk County American Red Cross Chapter Blood Drive will be held at 231 Ward Street in Columbus from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of Delta Airline Tickets.

On Wednesday, December 15, the St. Luke Hospital Blood Drive will be held in classroom 704 at 220 Hospital Drive in Columbus from 12 to 4 p.m. Call 828-894-2408 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of Delta Airline Tickets.

For your convenience, you may now schedule blood donation appointments online at redcrossblood.org. You may also call 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.