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 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. 

To celebrate 30 years of “Friends,” all who come to give Nov. 18 through 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 donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Those who come to donate through Nov. 17 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. (Terms apply. See  RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.)

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Great Bend

Monday, Nov. 18 - 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave.

Nov. 25 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., American Legion, 1011 Kansas Ave.

Dec. 13 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Polk Street Building, 1309 Polk St.

Dec. 16 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, 4801 10th St.

Dec. 16 - 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Prince of Peace Parish Center, 4124 Broadway.

Ellinwood

Dec. 2 - 12:30-6 p.m., St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 110 W. 2nd St.

Ellsworth

Dec. 3 - noon - 6 p.m., St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 911 N. Kansas.

Larned

Dec. 6 - noon - 6 p.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Center, 1111 State St.

Sterling

Dec. 12 - noon - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 137 N. Broadway

La Crosse

Dec. 13 - noon - 6 p.m., St. Michael Catholic Parish, 918 Lincoln St.

Russell

Nov. 21 0 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Russell High School

Nov. 21 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Otterbein Methodist Church.