WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- This holiday season you can give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets.

The American Red Cross said right now there's a big need because donations decline drastically between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

Albert Kula has been donating blood for about 40 years.

“At my last count, they sent me a notice saying I've donated 127 pints of blood," said Kula.

His first donation was at age 15.

"A friend needed blood donation and at that time you needed your parents permission to donate so I got my dad to release it," said Kula.  

Now, he gives every 56 days.

"Simply because when I get that email back saying that my blood has helped someone, a child or another adult, it just makes me feel good," said Kula.  

The American Red Cross said they need more donors like Kula to meet the demand this time of year.

"We had 64,000 fewer blood donations than we planned for Thanksgiving and the New Year's holiday and that really has an impact on our blood donations nationwide,” said spokesperson Maya Franklin. “When you consider the fact we need 14,000 donations every day that is a huge chunk of people not getting the help they need."

Franklin said the process is relatively painless and takes less than an hour of your time.

"One hour out of your day coming in and making a donation could impact up to three lives, so it's a huge impact you're making," said Franklin.