There is a gift you can give that will cost you nothing, and could mean the world to another person. It could even save their life. That’s the gift of donating blood.

Blood is something that can’t be created in a lab. It must come from humans who take the initiative to donate. Blood donations are regularly used for people with cancer, people with sickle cell disease, people who are in accidents or get burned, people who need heart surgery or an organ transplant, people who have complications during pregnancy or childbirth and in many other situations. According to the American Red Cross, a blood donation from a single donor has the potential to save up to three lives.

If you’re eligible to donate (check here to see), consider making an appointment at a local blood donation center this month and give the most precious gift you could possibly offer. Read on for 7 other reasons why you should consider donating.

It’s needed—we’re in the midst of a blood shortage. Right now, the American Red Cross says it’s experiencing the worst blood shortage its seen in more than 10 years. And January—which is National Blood Donor Month—is notoriously slow when it comes to donations, because of the winter weather, seasonal illnesses and holiday exhaustion. To end this shortage, it’s going to take volunteers like you who are willing to roll up their sleeves—literally—and give.

It’s practically effortless. The actual blood donation takes only about eight to 10 minutes. But plan on being at the center for about an hour, in order to fill out the necessary paperwork, answer questions for during a mini physical/screening, and recover after the donation. 

You have enough to spare. Whole blood donation generally entails about one pint of blood, and the average adult has around eight to 12 pints of blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, your body replaces those fluids in a matter of days, although people who donate blood must wait 56 days before donating again.

The blood supply relies on all types. The more people willing to give blood, the better, because that allows for a diverse supply of blood. While most people have one of four blood types (A, B, AB, O) a small percentage of the population has a rare type of blood that falls outside of those types. A greater diversity of donors can serve the needs of a greater diversity of recipients. 

What goes around comes around. You never know when you, your friends or your family members might be in a situation where they need blood. Be generous today, because it may be your loved ones who are in need tomorrow.

You’re doing a good deed. Every two seconds, a person in the United States needs blood or platelets, according to the American Red Cross. Yet, only about 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, and only about 3 percent of eligible people do give blood. When you give blood, you’re going above and beyond to help someone whom you may never have met. That feels good.

 Free snacks! After you donate, you’ll be ushered to a recovery area where there are snacks and refreshments to enjoy. You might find things like cookies, peanut butter crackers, granola bars and other treats. And who doesn’t love free snacks?  

Ready to roll up your sleeve? If so, visit www.redcrossblood.org to find a location near you. If you’re unable to give blood, but still want to help out, you could volunteer in other ways with non-profits such as the Red Cross or even host a blood drive in your own community. Give, so that others can heal.