PORTLAND — The best gifts can’t be bought in a store. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give more life by giving blood this December.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. To encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

Local donation opportunities include:

Auburn: Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Hilton Garden Inn Auburn, 14 Great Falls Plaza.

Bridgton: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Masonic Hall on Harrison Road, Route 117.

Casco: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road.

Farmington: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive.

Freeport: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St.

Jay: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Knights of Columbus Jay, 148 Main St., Route 4.

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