HELENA, MT - Marking the 3rd Day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged eligible Montanans to give the lifesaving gift of blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana.

“Every Montanan who donates blood gives the gift of life to someone in need,” Gov. Gianforte said. “If Montanans are able, I encourage them to give the lifesaving gift of blood donation this holiday season through a Montana Red Cross blood drive.”

The American Red Cross of Montana hosts blood drives daily across the state and has collected more than 47,000 units of lifesaving blood at 2,000 drives in the past year.

“Every day, the Red Cross of Montana delivers help and hope in communities big and small, from collecting lifesaving blood and supporting service members and veterans to helping families recover from disasters like home fires,” American Red Cross of Montana Executive Director Hannah Zuraff said. “We are able to do this through the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

In the State Capitol today, Red Cross of Montana is hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To find a local blood drive or volunteer with the American Red Cross of Montana, Montanans can visit RedCrossBlood.org.

Running through mid-December, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.