The holidays are here, and University of Wisconsin students can find a number of fundraising and donation efforts taking off throughout the downtown campus area.

Janna Lenz, Media Specialist for the Madison Red Cross division, said the blood supply takes a dip during the holiday season when usual donors are busy with shopping and holiday events.

“We really want to be sure people know we’re still open and in need of platelet and blood donations,” Lenz said.

She added there are numerous opportunities for students to donate blood.

“We see a lot of support from UW Madison, support in respect to blood donation,” Lenz said. “It only takes an hour of your time, and it’s free. Students don’t have a ton of money but it’s really nice to volunteer and do an ultra-good thing during the holiday season.”

Lenz said there are a number of holiday blood drives in Madison, specifically noting the Dec. 24 drive at the Alliant Energy center. This blood drive will run for the 19th annual time this year.

There are regular blood drives throughout the campus area as well. In addition, students can call 227-1357 to schedule a donation or visit www.givelife.org.

The UW’s campus donation center, also called the Young Blood program, is located at Union South. Students can donate blood Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donations must be 56 days apart.

Another volunteer option in the downtown area this holiday season is the fourth annual Festival of Wreaths displayed at the Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin until Dec. 6.

“[People] in the community, whether they [are] a professional in art or they’re a hobbyist, they make these wreaths and donate them for fundraising,” Margie Groom, program coordinator for the center, said.

“All of [the wreaths] are really, really incredible,” Groom said, noting the wreaths are not specifically decorated for the holidays. “We also seem to have a number of teddy bear wreaths, but there is huge variety of wreaths altogether.”

According to Groom, silent auction bidders may bid at the Senior Center or on their website. The money raised goes to supporting programs and activities for the elderly living at the Senior Center.

Before Thanksgiving weekend, Groom estimated the wreaths were gathering close to $10,000 worth in donations. The wreaths are available for viewing weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some evening and weekend hours.

Groom said students are often employed as volunteers during this type of special event as Bid Enhancers. They help sponsors place bids and introduce them to the different wreaths.

“We have a wonderful outreach from UW students,” Groom said. “When we’re dealing with fundraisers we like to have young people doing support work for us.”

Groom said there are a number of students helping make phone calls to reach out to local donors and also distribute flyers.

“Older adults just love to have young people here showing that they care,” Groom said.