URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Blood donations are needed year-round, including days like Sunday and Monday that saw weather-related car accidents happen across Central Illinois. 

ImpactLife blood center officials said it’s time to step up and help, especially in January, during National Blood Donor Month. 

It’s usually a slow time for donations after the spring and fall when mobile units go to high schools and college campuses to bump up their supply. Post-holiday weather conditions can also discourage donations.

“By the end of the day, we’ll have upwards of 200 appointments cancel, so that’s why we really need donors to come out,” Manager of Donor Relations Jim Watts said. 

One pint of blood can save three lives. Watts hopes people will consider the direct impact a donation could have on the community. 

“When you donate, you never know who that’s going to go to,” Watts said. “That could be your neighbor, a family member or a stranger that you’ve never met, but [it’s] someone who’s probably having one of the worst days of their life that they’re receiving this life saving blood product, so I just encourage you to think about that.”

ImpactLife has about two dozen donation centers across the state, along with others in Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. They encourage people to make appointments online, but also accept walk-ins. 

Watts said centers are offering gift card promotions to hopefully ramp up donations throughout the winter months. 

You can make an appointment to donate here.