Jan. 1 didn’t only represent a launch from 2013 into 2014 — the day also represented the start of National Blood Donor Month. Now, empty bags await donors all over eastern North Carolina.

Today, from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., all blood types are welcome at Lowe’s Home Improvement on Carolina Avenue in Washington. Then from 3:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., another blood drive will be held at Fitness Unlimited on West 15^th Street. While donors usually walk away knowing they’ve done a good deed, today they’ll leave the experience with a long-sleeved t-shirt, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

According to Kristen Hatfield, Red Cross communications manager for the Mid-Atlantic region, blood donations traditionally take a decided dive at the end of the year.

“There’s a lot of things we compete against so it’s typically a tough time of year,” Hatfield said. “I feel like people are tapped out. But the need for blood never takes a day off. There’s always that need.”

Hatfield said a large percentage of the Red Cross’ usual blood donations come from high school and college students. With school out for the holiday break and regular donors busy with the season, blood banks can feel the dip in donors.

While Hatfield said all donators are welcome, and appreciated, she added that it’s Type-O blood that is most requested by hospitals. Currently, blood types O negative, A negative and B negative are in demand, according to a press release from the American Red Cross Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Region office in Greenville.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than by taking the time to give blood,” said Page Gambill, CEO of Mid-Atlantic Blood Services office. “This is one resolution that takes little time, about an hour, but has a tremendous impact — helping to save as many as three lives with each donation.”

In addition to today’s blood drives, Pantego Volunteer Fire Department, 25673 U.S. Highway 264 East, will host one from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 11; and Masonic Lodge No. 675, 1110 Fifth Street, in Washington, will hold a “Battle of the Banks” from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15.

Donors can give blood every 56 days, Hatfield said.