DAYTON — Community Blood Center is asking donors to “Be a Deer” by donating blood during the week before Christmas at the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County, 304 S. West Ave., Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The “Be a Deer – Donate Blood” long-sleeved T-shirt is free to everyone who registers to donate. Schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE.

The T-shirt is mistletoe green with the smiling face of a reindeer sketched in light green and white.

The holiday season is a challenging time for maintaining the area blood supply. Holiday activities, wintry weather and seasonal illnesses can reduce the number of donors and disrupt blood drive schedules.