The American Red Cross seeks eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give.

World Blood Donor Day highlights the constant need for donors - during the summer and throughout the year.

Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car accident and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.

Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14 will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every day this summer is a chance to give hope. Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers/Hours of Operation

•Buffalo Blood Donation Center, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo

12:15 - 6:45 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

•Hamburg Blood Donation Center, 5161 Camp Road

11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday

2-7 p.m. Tuesday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 3

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 5

7 a.m. until noon Saturday, June 13

•Transitown Blood Donation Center, 4267 Transit Road, Williamsville

12:15-6:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

•Mid City Plaza Blood Donation Center, 301 Meadow Drive, Suite No. 81, North Tonawanda

Noon to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 2

Noon until 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 4

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 5

7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6

Additional blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

Buffalo

June 1: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., University at Buffalo North Student Union

June 2: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Travelers Insurance, 60 Lakefront Blvd.

June 2: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

June 3: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., New Hope Education Center, 175 Jefferson Ave.

June 3: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Savarino Companies, 95 Perry St.

June 5: noon-5 p.m., G & G Fitness, 7350 Transit Road

June 5 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road

Cheektowaga

June 11: 2-6 p.m., Holiday Inn, 4600 Genesee St.

East Amherst

June 14: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Starbucks, 9660 Transit Road

East Aurora

June 2: noon-7 p.m., East Aurora Moose Lodge 370, 905 Main St.

Eggertsville

June 3: 2-6 p.m., Trinity Old Lutheran Church, 3445 Sheridan Drive

Elma

June 11: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1230 Bowen Road

Grand Island

June 15: 1-6 p.m., Grand Island Knights of Columbus, 1841 Whitehaven Road

Hamburg

June 11: 2-6:30 p.m., Wesleyan Church of Hamburg, 4999 McKinley Parkway

Lancaster

June 9: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Avox Systems, 25 Walter Winter Drive

Orchard Park

June 5: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Father Baker Manor, 6400 Powers Road

June 7: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. John Vianney, 2950 Southwestern Blvd.

Sardinia

June 3: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Sardinia Fire Hall, 12719 W. Schutt Road

Tonawanda

June 1: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Ken Ton Family YMCA, 535 Belmont Ave.

June 13: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dunkin Donuts, 2200 Sheridan Drive

West Seneca

June 3: noon-5:30 p.m., Vigilant Fire Department, 666 Main St.

Niagara County

Lewiston

June 10: 1:30-6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 505 Cayuga St.

Lockport

June 4: 2-7 p.m., South Lockport Fire Co., 5666 Transit Road

June 6: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Basil Toyota, 6175 S. Transit Road

June 9: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Incorporated, 33 Ontario St.

June 14: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 75 East Ave.

Newfane

June 15: 1-6 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St.

Niagara Falls

June 13: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 736 Cayuga Drive

Wheatfield

June 10: 2-7 p.m., Forestview Senior Village, 3959 Forest Park Way

Youngstown

June 2: 2-7 p.m., Youngstown Fire Hall, 625 Third St.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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), 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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or on Twitter @RedCross.