An additional 30 people are required to donate blood at the Taree Lifeblood Centre in the next three weeks to maintain supplies for cancer and trauma patients over the festive season.
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Locals are needed to fill appointments to ensure Australia has the blood it needs over consecutive long weekends.
Lifeblood spokesperson Gilly Paxton said stocks of platelets, a short-lived blood component, were under pressure during school holidays.
"Platelets are used to stop bleeding during chemotherapy or trauma, but only have a shelf-life of five days, and that means we need fresh collections every day this festive season," Gilly said.
"Adding to the challenge is that it takes blood donations from four people to make just one bag of platelets.
"The need for blood doesn't stop or take a long-weekend, there are people in hospital relying on donations so they can spend holidays with loved ones."
Those who donate before Christmas will receive a 'Gift of Life' gift tag to either 'gift' their donation to someone or to encourage others to donate.
"Your blood donation will be the gift of life for Australian patients this Christmas - and will have a far-reaching impact not just on the lives you save, but also the lives of their loved ones," Gilly said.
The Taree centre, on Macquarie Street, will be open normal hours throughout the Christmas period except Christmas Eve (open 8am to 1.30pm), December 28 (11am to 3.30pm) and New Year's Eve (8am to 2pm).
To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.
