Blood donations are urgently needed now and throughout the winter to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need, reports the American Red Cross.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in St. Lawrence County include:

• Feb. 16, from noon-6 p.m., Potsdam High School, Blue Gym, 29 Leroy St.

• Feb. 17, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Ogdensburg Chamber, 100 Riverside Ave;

• Feb. 18, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., DeKalb Junction Fire Department, 4323 US Highway 11;

• Feb. 20-22, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., State University of New York Canton, 34 Cornell Drive;

• Feb. 24, from 2-6 p.m., Brier Hill Fire Company, 2704 State Highway 37; and

• Feb. 24, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Canton Potsdam Hospital, 50 Leroy St., Potsdam.

To make an appointment to give blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All those who come to donate from Jan. 30 to Feb. 26, are eligible to receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email for making blood and platelet donation a priority this winter.