By Sharon Turco
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Concerned about a possible blood shortage between Christmas and New Year's Eve, officials at Hoxworth Blood Center are asking area residents to take time to make a donation.

A shortage this time of year is not unusual, according to Michael Anderson, a spokesman for the blood center.

"The shortages occur because many regular donors are on vacation or visiting with family, and many companies and churches do not schedule blood drives due to reduced attendance," Mr. Anderson said.

Schools, which provide about 15 percent of the year's donations, also are on break, he said.

Hoxworth has scheduled six promotions this week, offering incentives ranging from free lunch to a chance for University of Cincinnati men's basketball tickets.

Today: All blood donors who come to Hoxworth's Anderson, Fort Mitchell or Western Hills centers will get free lunch. Centers open at noon; the Colerain Township Fire and EMS Department will host a blood drive at its substation inside Northgate Mall from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Kroger in Independence at 1900 Declaration Drive will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: The Owensville Fire Department will host a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday: Kroger in Harrison at 10515 Harrison Ave. will host a blood drive from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Rookwood Commons in Norwood will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All blood donors will get a free T-shirt and donors will be eligible to win two tickets to UC's basketball game against DePaul University on Jan. 8.