It may not be enjoyable, but it can save lives. Donating blood takes just a few minutes but its impact can last a lifetime.

Lincoln County residents will have several opportunities in the coming days to donate blood locally.

The Daily Leader is one of several local locations where Mississippi Blood Services will be collecting blood during its 12 Days of Christmas campaign.

The MBS Blood Donor Coach will be parked in front of The Daily Leader newspaper office at 128 N. Railroad St. from 1:30-5 p.m. Friday.

Donors can drop by the office during business hours or call 601-265-5296 to sign up for a specific time.

Mississippi Blood Services provides 40 hospitals in the state with blood. That’s 90,000 units a year and roughly 250 units a day.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID. For more information, visit msblood.com, or call 888-90-BLOOD (902-5663).

Besides The Daily Leader Friday, MBS will be at the following locations:

• Dec. 12 — King’s Daughters Medical Center from 1-6 p.m.

• Dec. 13 — USDA in Brookhaven from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Dec. 15 — Brookhaven High School from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Dec. 16 — Lincoln County Government Complex from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Dec. 17 — Brookhaven Plaza from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Dec. 21 — Hwy. 51 Diner in Wesson from noon-6 p.m.

• Dec. 22 — Walmart in Brookhaven from noon-6 p.m.

• Dec. 27 — KDMC from 1-6 p.m.

We encourage everyone who is able to give the gift of life this holiday season and donate blood.