LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Red Cross is asking you to roll up your sleeves and help save lives.

A blood drive was held Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville. All donors received a $15 gift card to one of several merchants. 

"Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate a person's life and help save a patient's life," organizers said in a news release. "When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving treatment."

The Red Cross said it needs more help in the winter months when donations tend to slow down, however the need for blood does not.

Some donors said Monday they make sure to give as much as they can, which is usually every six weeks.

"I have kind of made it part of my regular health care, just like preventative checkups with my primary care physician, just to make it part of what I do and it's fairly convenient," said Daniel Feld, adding that he works two blocks away from the Yum! Center.

Each unit of blood donated can save up to three lives. The Red Cross said blood donations are needed year-round.

Officials said there is a critical need for blood platelets, as well as types O negative and B negative blood, as severe winter weather and wildfires caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected.

According to the Red Cross website, those who donate blood by Feb. 28 will also receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

You can schedule an appointment to donate blood at any of its locations or drives. To find one near you, click here. You can also download the Red Cross Donor App. 

To learn more about donating blood, including eligibility and what you need to have with you when you donate, click here. 

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