PORTLAND, ME — It’s been 30 years since the iconic show FRIENDS first aired, and this November, the American Red Cross is asking donors to gather their friends and be there for patients by making a blood or platelet donation.

Festive activities and busy calendars this time of year can disrupt normal routines, leading to a drop in blood donation appointments. Eligible individuals are encouraged to make donating blood a priority, especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets.

To celebrate 30 years of FRIENDS, all who come to give Nov. 18-Dec. 8 will receive two pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. Donors can keep a pair and gift a pair! For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends.

In the spirit of FRIENDSgiving, donors can give with meaning. Those wishing to help patients make memories this holiday season can book a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 21-30:

Cumberland

Brunswick

11/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row

11/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., American Legion Post 20, 1 Columbus Drive

Falmouth

11/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Episcopal Church of St. Mary, 43 Foreside Rd

Freeport

11/25/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Freeport – Old Town Hall Building, 5 Park Street

Gorham

11/21/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cressey Road Christian Church, 81 Cressey Road

Harrison

11/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and N. Bridgton, 77 Main Street

North Yarmouth

11/22/2024: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wescustogo Hall and Community Center, 120 Memorial Hwy

Portland

11/22/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine, 1342 Congress St

11/26/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maine Medical Dana Center, 22 Bramhall Street

Scarborough

11/26/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saint Maximilian Church, 150 Black Point Rd

South Portland

11/26/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road

Westbrook

11/22/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street

Yarmouth

11/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saint Bartholomews Episcopal Church, 396 Gilman Road