Area Red Cross blood drives

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make and keep donation appointments to maintain the summer blood supply and help prevent a shortage. Donors of all blood types are currently needed, especially those with type O negative, B negative and A negative.

While the need for blood remains constant during the summer, donations drop. Between June and August, on average, too few donors give blood at each blood drive than what hospitals need. This seasonal decline could be overcome if just two additional donors - above what is expected - give blood at each Red Cross blood drive this summer.

Blood collection sites include:

•June 23 from 1 to 7 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St.

•June 24, from 2 to 7 p.m., The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport.

•June 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lewiston First Presbyterian Church, 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston.

•June 30, from 2 to 6 p.m., Lighthouse Christian Camp, 9574 Somerset Drive, Barker.

•July 1, from 2 to 7 p.m., Ransomville Baptist Church, 2578 Youngstown-Lockport Road. Free hot dogs and T-shirts will be available for donors.

For more information, or to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.