The Community Blood Bank has a low blood supply and needs donors.

The ongoing shortage of blood in area is due to the busy time of year and a generational gap, according to the Blood Bank.

Officials said the older generation is more likely to donate, and younger people are not.

The Blood Bank welcomes anyone to donate blood, but it is most in need of Type O blood since it is the most used kind and needed for universal donors.

All blood donated through the Community Blood Bank goes to help people in the Erie community, so when someone donates, they are helping their neighbors, friends and family.

"We really need people to just stop by," said Jaclyn Seymour, community relations specialist. "It's just a half-hour of your time. You can save three lives this holiday season, so you can give the gift of life."

The Blood Bank will be closed on Christmas, but it will be open the rest of the week including Sunday for anyone who wants to donate.