During this hectic holiday season, as we shop for the perfect gift, let me offer you a suggestion. Please give the gift of life by making a blood donation. With just one donation, you will have saved three people as your pint of blood is divided into three components: packed red cells, plasma and platelets.

As Blood Bank supervisor at Auburn Memorial Hospital, I feel compelled to inform the community of our ongoing need for blood products. This past November, AMH transfused 136 pints of blood and by year's end will have transfused more than 1,500 pints. If you think the number is large, consider that our neighboring Syracuse hospitals - St. Joseph's, Crouse and Community General - together transfused 16,000 pints in the year 2007.

The Red Cross will be holding a bloodmobile Jan. 20 at Auburn Memorial Hospital. If you can donate at AMH, please contact Cyndy Ross at 255-7444 to schedule an appointment. The AMH bloodmobile will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, show a photo ID, be in general good health, and be age 17 or older.

Blood transfusions are needed many times for surgical and chemotherapy patients as well as patients bleeding internally from trauma or disease. Keep in mind the life you save may be your own or that of your neighbor.

Phyllis M. Lisano

Auburn