The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage.

Blood donation events in Claremont are scheduled for the next two Wednesdays—August 24 and 31—from 1 to 7 p.m. at St Luke’s Church, 2050 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

The summer months are among the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacations and participate in summer activities. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break, though.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to give now. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and double red cells can be donated every 112 days.

In appreciation for helping to save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through August 31 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.

Schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Local residents may simply show up to St. Luke’s Church during the scheduled hours.