ATLANTA—During the holidays, wouldn’t it be nice to skip check-out lines, mall crowds and get a valuable product for free? Well, the American Red Cross agrees and wants to give you the chance to have an “Appy Holiday.”

Present to donate blood or platelets at any American Red Cross blood donation center between Dec. 17-31 to be automatically entered into a drawing for one of five Apple iPads.

There are 14 blood donation centers located across Georgia.

The Apple iPad offers thousands of apps through the App Store and can be used to watch movies, play music and games, read books and magazines, surf the web and so much more.

Approximately 1,200 blood donations are needed daily in the Southern Blood Services Region to maintain an adequate supply for more than 120 local hospitals. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.