If you've been thinking about ways you can give back and help others as we move closer to a brand new year, it could be as simple as rolling up your sleeve to give blood.

An urgent call for blood donors continues as Canadian Blood Services works to fill another 18,000 appointments across the country over the next week.

Central Alberta Territory Manager Shaun Richer says there is one blood type that is in particular demand, but they'll take all donations.

“The biggest one would be O-negative, just because it is the universal blood type so O-negative can go to any recipient so that’s why it’s in high demand, but right now, every blood type is needed”.

Richer says there are 370 open appointments at the Red Deer clinic alone between now and January 6th.

They are also looking to fill nearly 70 appointments at their mobile clinic in Rocky Mountain House on New Year's Day.

It runs from 3:30-7:30 at the Church of the Nazarene.

To book an appointment, you can head online or use the GiveBlood app, or call 1 888 2 DONATE.