PORTLAND — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.

Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:

Topsham: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at The Highlands of Topsham, 30 Governors Way.

Auburn: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Edward Little High School, 77 Harris St.

Lisbon Falls: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Lisbon High School, 2 Sugg Drive.

Harrison: 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton, 77 Main St.

Topsham: 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at ARC Mid Coast Chapter, 16 Community Way.

FMI, appointment: redcrossblood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).