Goulburn Donor Centre still needs 215 donors to make an appointment to give blood from now until December 31.

Blood donors who give blood or platelets this December will receive a text message to let them know where their Secret Santa gift was sent and a festive tag to give to a loved one.

Blood Service spokesperson Megan Green urged locals to give blood, saying it was the most important Secret Santa they’ll ever do.

“If Secret Santa is about giving anonymous gifts, designed to make someone’s day, then blood donation really is Australia’s ultimate Secret Santa exchange,” she said.

“Blood will be needed by road accident patients, pregnant mums, cancer patients and even premature babies every day this Christmas and New Year’s.

“With many people taking time off this holiday season we need those who can to step up and be a life- changing ‘Secret Santa’ to Australian patients in need, ensuring no one misses out on receiving this incredible gift.”

Ms Green said stocks of platelets, a blood component vital to the treatment of cancer patients, were particularly at risk during the Christmas period.

“Your blood donation will be the ultimate gift to Australian patients this Christmas – and will have a far reaching impact on the lives you save, and the lives of their loved ones.

“So this Christmas we’re urging Goulburn locals to take part in Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa exchange by making an appointment to give blood [until] December 31.”

The Blood Service is hoping to welcome 20,000 new donors by Christmas to meet Australia’s growing blood needs. There’s never been a better time to start donating.