While Independence Day will surely ignite many fireworks extravaganzas, the American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to spark the nation’s blood supply. The need for blood is constant, especially around the summer holidays, when eligible donors have even less time in their busy schedules to give.

As part of the Red Cross Summer of Stories campaign to increase donations when they historically drop, all presenting donors from Monday through Monday, July 15, could win one of five $3,000 American Express gift cards. Donors are also encouraged to visit redcrossblood.org/summer to share their summer blood donation stories and watch videos of patients whose lives were touched by donors.

In addition, those who come in to donate blood through the local Red Cross from July 1 through 7 will receive a Red Cross ball cap, while supplies last.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To donate call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states, including West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Monday, July 1

• Charleston, W.Va.– 1 to 7 p.m. South Charleston Community Center, 601 Jefferson Road

 

Tuesday, July 2

• Huntington, W.Va. – 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center,1111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard

• South Charleston, W.Va. – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thomas Memorial Hospital, 4605 MacCorkle Ave. SW

 

Wednesday, July 3

• Institute, W.Va. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. W.Va. State College Student Union, Route 25

• Middleport – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Church of Christ Family Life Center, 437 Main St.

• New Haven, W.Va. – Noon to 6 p.m. American Legion, 140 Mill St.

 

Thursday, July 4

• Huntington, WV – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 1111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard

 

Friday, July 5

• Ashland, Ky. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Fire Station, 1021 Carter Ave.

• Parkersburg, W.Va. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.

• Sissonville, W.Va. – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cedar Ridge Center, 302 Cedar Ridge Road

 

Saturday, July 6

• Ashland, – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crabbe Elementary School, 520 17th St.

 

Monday, July 8

• Vienna, W.Va. – 1 to 6 p.m. 36th St. Church of Christ-Multipurpose Building, 610 36th St.

• Williamson, W.Va. – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Williamson Memorial Hospital, 859 Alderson St.

 

Tuesday, July 9

• Ashland – 11 a.m. to 5vp.m. Kingsbrook Life Center, 2500 State Route 5

• Chapmanville, W.Va. – 1 to 6 p.m. Chapmanville Energy Express, 100 Vance St.

• Huntington, W.Va. – 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 1111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard

• Scott Depot, W.Va. – 2 to 7 p.m. Teays Valley Presbyterian Church, 4122 Teays Valley Road

• Williamstown, W.Va. – 1 to 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, 431 Highland Ave.

 

Wednesday, July 10

• Belpre – Noon to 6 p.m. Masonic Lodge, 1411 Putnam-Howe Drive

 

Thursday, July 11

• Eleanor, W.Va. – 1 to 6 p.m. First Baptist Church of Eleanor, 901 Roosevelt Boulevard

• Logan, W.Va. – 1 to 6 p.m. Logan Middle School, 14 Wildcat Way

 

Friday, July 12

• Jackson – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Four Winds Community, 215 Seth Ave.

• Parkersburg, W.Va. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.

• Saint Albans, W.Va. – Noon to 6 p.m., Golden Living Center Riverside, 6500 MacCorkle Ave.

 

Monday, July 15

• Ashland – Noon to 6 p.m. King’s Daughters Office Park, 835 Central Ave.

• Charleston, W.Va. – 2 to 7 p.m. Christ United Methodist Church,1221 Quarrier St.

• Vienna, WV – Noon to 6 p.m. St. Michael’s Church, 55th and Grand Central Ave.