Although several weeks have passed since the beginning of the new year, the American Red Cross hopes people still keep strong in their resolutions to donate blood amidst the ongoing winter shortage.

According to the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region, January and February can be a slow time for blood collection. Inclement weather often disrupts blood drives or normal business hours, and many people battle illness or flu symptoms that can make them ineligible to donate blood products.

Since blood donation is so vital — one donation has the potential to save up to three lives — during January, all presenting donors will be entered to win a $1,000 gift card to a home improvement store.

People may make appointments at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. People may give blood at the following locations in the coming weeks:

n Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Ohio Valley Baptist Church, 1424 U.S. 60 W. in Ledbetter.

n Monday, 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Paducah, 2890 Broadway in Paducah.

n Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Baptist Campus Ministries, 800 Waldrop Drive in Murray.

n Jan. 30, 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Murray Middle School, 801 Main St. in Murray.