CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - With the holidays here, organ donations are needed more than ever. There is usually a shortage during the winter months. In Chicopee Monday, an event raised awareness about the critical need for organ donors. An organ transplant has given many a second chance at life. The New England Donor Services (NEDS), joined Chicopee Mayor John Vieau and state officials at Chicopeee City Hall to celebrate this life-saving procedure. One such individual who was changed by organ transplants is Lauren Meizo of Chicopee. She struggled with various medical issues related to her muscles and organs. It's now been six years since she received two heart transplants and a kidney transplant. "It's just extra special because I think I shouldn't be here but I am, I am because two women decided to check a box on their license," said Meizo. Hal Etkin of Longmeadow who suffered from heart failure for almost 20 years also has his donor to thank. "His decision did not just allow me to receive a heart but other organs were donated to other individuals, so Jack helped a number of people all because he made the decision to become an organ donor," said Etkin. After this impactful decision is made, it goes a long way. One donor can save or drastically improve the lives of eight or more people. It is estimated that there are more than 100-thousand people in the US who are currently on the waiting list for an organ donor. Every day around 20 people die due to the lack of available organs for transplant. "We want to make sure that people have that opportunity at life and we encourage people to register as organ donors," said Director of Government Relations for NEDS, Matt Boger. There are a few ways to become an organ donor. You can register online, or you can indicate your decision on your driver's license or state ID at the RMV. Once you are registered, your card will have a heart symbol to show that you are an organ donor. Local News Headlines New England Donor Services seeking more organ donors this holiday season Two men arrested in Holyoke narcotics operation Tips to prevent frozen pipes in extreme cold temps Biden pardons dozens of death row inmates WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.