A pair of local blood drives have been hosted in Oakdale over the past couple of weeks, as the American Red Cross looks to bolster its supply ahead of the busy holiday season. Here, donor Kelley Bennett of Oakdale shares a smile with Red Cross staffer Maddie Gault as she is prepared for the donation of a unit of blood. Red Cross officials said donations typically decrease around the holidays as people are busy with family events and shopping, but ask that eligible donors make time to give if at all possible.

Marg Jackson/The Leader