As residents gear up for giving this holiday season, Troy Police are asking they consider giving a share to those in need.

The TPD will hold its bi-annual blood drive Monday, and police are calling on all those eligible to donate a pint of blood.

“The demand for blood is higher this time than any other time of the year due to the greater possibility of wrecks and things of this nature,” said Troy Police Spokesman Sgt. Benny Scarbrough.

Lifesouth Community Blood Center will co-sponsor the blood drive Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the bloodmobile parked at the police station.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. A valid form of ID is required.

“Blood donors save millions of lives every year in the United States,” Scarbrough said. “Becoming a volunteer blood donor is one of the quickest and easiest ways to save lives this holiday season.”

Scarbrough said the blood drives the police department sponsor generally collect around 100 pints of blood.

The other blood drive is always held between the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, another highly traveled time of the year.

Police Chief Anthony Everage said he urges everyone to come out and support the blood drive Monday.

“It’s the gift of life that you can give that doesn’t cost you anything, but you could save a person’s life,” Everage said.

Scarbrough said Lifesouth is a company that collects blood from different regions across the United States, in hopes of helping those in medical need.