In the season of gratitude and giving, Hawai'i residents are being asked to donate blood to the Blood Bank of Hawaii.

Hundreds of patients a day count on volunteer blood donors for survival, but during the holiday season donor turnout is typically low as people get busy with activities and vacation plans, said Dr. Robyn Yim, Blood Bank president and medical director.

"The holidays are tough on the state's blood supply and this year will be no exception," Yim said in a press release. "The need for blood never ends and community support is needed to ensure that our state is prepared and blood is available for everyone in need."

In Hawai'i, about 60 percent of the population will need blood in their lifetime but only 2 percent donate, she said.

Blood is needed for surgical procedures, in treating accident victims, ulcers, anemia, mothers and newborns during delivery, and for cancer therapy.

A single donation can help save the lives of up to three people because donated blood is separated into three components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma.

The donation process is safe and takes about an hour, most of which is filling out paperwork, a confidential interview and a short physical. The actual collection takes about five to eight minutes.

Here are some upcoming opportunities to donate blood on O'ahu:

Tomorrow, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Ann's Church in Kane'ohe.

Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Foodland-Ewa Town Center.

Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Hawai'i-Manoa law school.

Monday, noon to 5 p.m., BYU-Hawai'i (La'ie), Half Ballroom.

Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Leeward Community College.

Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chaminade University.

Nov. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hawai'i Pacific University-Downtown.