Give blood, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film ‘Elf’

POUGHKEEPSIE — For many, watching the classic holiday movie “Elf” has been a heartwarming tradition for 20 years. This November, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition as the holiday season begins: Spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation.

Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near — a time when blood donations often decline. Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.