ST. CLOUD -- The Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations.

The charity received 37,000 donations fewer than needed during the holidays.

Red Cross spokeswoman Sue Thesenga says they were around 5 percent short of the donation mark they needed over the holidays.

"Now we need to make up those units of blood so patients can continue to receive their life saving treatments they need," says Thesenga.

Thesenga says every 2 seconds someone needs blood in America for a variety of reasons.

"Whether it's an accident, burn victim, heart surgery, or patients receiving treatments for cancer," says Thesenga.

She says supplies will be given out to hospitals and clinics within the coming month, so the next few days are critical to their donations.

The St. Cloud Red Cross is located at 1301 West St. Germain Street. You can set up appointments by web or by appointment.

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