Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - The American Red Cross is hoping to end the year 2008 with a bang as they need more blood donations to help get through the winter months.

The winter is tough for the Red Cross as it brings the holidays, and a decline in blood donations.

Though there is a decline in blood donations, that does not mean there is no need for blood.

Over 35,000 people every day need blood for surgeries and other health reasons.

The hope is that by spreading the word, more people will go to the Red Cross to donate blood and possibly save a life in the process.