Dubbo Donor Centre needs the donors to make an appointment to give blood between December, 11, 2018 and January, 4, 2019.

Blood donors who give blood or platelets this December will receive a text message to let them know where their Secret Santa gift was sent and a festive tag to give to a loved one.

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Dubbo’s Sarah Upton was at the Dubbo Donor Centre on December 11, making her 150^th blood donation.

She was donating plasma.

Ms Upton first began donating blood in 2002 through her work at the time and has continued to donate ever since.

“When plasma became available for us to donate I started donating plasma,” she said.

“Which allows me to come (and donate) every two weeks.”

Plasma delivers vital nutrients, hormones and proteins throughout your body, but for others who desperately need it, plasma can be used in 18 individual ways, to help treat illnesses and injuries, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

Ms Upton is also booked in to donate later this December, which Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce said was “brilliant”, considering many people go on holidays between the last week of December and the first week of January.

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“We’re very fortunate a few good donors that still come in during the holidays,” he said.

Ms Upton said said so many people can’t donate over the festive season, creating a shortage of donations.

“There’s been times when I can’t donate because of ill health or I just got out of the routine. So if you are eligible don’t be scared to come in,” she said. 

The Dubbo Blood Donor Centre will be open during December and January and will only close for the public holidays.

Mrs Upton said during work days, she been very supported by her work at Interrelate when she has appointments at the Dubbo Donor Centre.

Mr Bruce urged locals to give blood, saying it was the most important Secret Santa they’ll ever do.

“If Secret Santa is about giving anonymous gifts, designed to make someone’s day, then blood donation really is Australia’s ultimate Secret Santa exchange,” he said.

READ MORE: Blood donations help save many lives

“Blood will be needed by road accident patients, pregnant mums, cancer patients and even premature babies every day this Christmas and New Year’s.

“With many people taking time off this holiday season we need those who can to step up and be a life- changing ‘Secret Santa’ to Australian patients in need, ensuring no one misses out on receiving this incredible gift.”

Mr Bruce said stocks of platelets, a blood component vital to the treatment of cancer patients, were particularly at risk during the Christmas period.

“Your blood donation will be the ultimate gift to Australian patients this Christmas – and will have a far reaching impact on the lives you save, and the lives of their loved ones,” he said.

The Blood Service is hoping to welcome 20,000 new donors by Christmas to meet Australia’s growing blood needs.

There’s never been a better time to start donating.

To make an appointment to give blood or find out more about Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au