This holiday season, one celebrity is taking time to thank blood donors and help in the life-saving mission.

Food Network's Paula Deen is joining the American Red Cross to say thanks for giving.

A blood drive will be held at AMVETS Post 80 in Lampasas on Monday from 12:30-6:30 p.m. It is the final drive of the year for the organization.

All donors will receive a limited edition Paula Deen-inspired apron and special recipes, while supplies last, and a Red Cross T-shirt.

"The Red Cross is thrilled to have Paula Deen helping us raise awareness of the need for blood during the holidays," said John Hansen, CEO of American Red Cross-Southwest Region. "Please add donating blood to your list of important things to do this holiday season. It takes about an hour but can give someone else the opportunity to spend another holiday with loved ones."

With the holiday season come fluctuations in the community's blood supply, and the Red Cross needs help to be sure blood is available when it's needed, said Wanda Meyers, local blood drive coordina- tor.

"Every day, more than 38,000 people in the country must have blood to treat everything from planned surgeries to car accidents. And regardless of the time of year, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood."

In recent years, the holiday season has been particularly difficult on the local blood supply, said Mrs. Meyers.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Bring photo identification to the site.

For more information, contact Mrs. Meyers at 556-3338.