The Puget Sound Blood Center is expecting 30 percent fewer blood donations this winter, according to a recent news release.

Officials with the blood center that supplies 75 hospitals and clinics throughout Washington are asking people to donate an hour of their time and some of their blood this holiday season.

A specific need for O-negative blood donors, considered universal donors, is requested.

The next South Whidbey blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.