(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Nonprofit Vitalant is hoping to encourage eligible donors to give the best gift of all this holiday season. Those who donate blood between Dec. 2-20 will receive a $10 gift card and be entered to win one of five $5,000 prizes. According to Vitalant, blood donations must be ready for patients every day before they’re needed. Donations of all blood types are needed, especially type O, which is transfused the most. O-negative can help any patient. O-positive is nearly as versatile when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type. Among the prizes being offered this holiday season, there is also the added benefit of knowing you helped save a life. You never know just how important your donation might be. It was in December 2017 that blood donors helped save Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Pelle’s life after he was shot in the line of duty on New Year’s Eve. He needed five units of blood when he was rushed to the hospital with a collapsed lung, lacerated liver, and broken ribs. He went back to work in law enforcement after recovering from his injuries and has since become a father to two young daughters.  “I would not be alive today without those donations,” Pelle said. “My family would not be here today if it were not for those who donated blood to help me on my worst day.” Vitalant said Most people are eligible to donate blood and it only takes an hour from registration to enjoying snacks after donating blood. Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).