The American Red Cross is encouraging residents across the Finger Lakes and Central New York to donate blood this summer during a series of upcoming blood drives scheduled throughout the region.
The Red Cross says donors who give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma between May 18th and May 31st will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel while supplies last.
In addition, anyone who donates between June 1st and June 28th will receive a 15-dollar e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and be automatically entered for a chance to win additional prizes.
Several blood drives are planned in Ontario, Wayne, Cayuga, Seneca, and Yates counties over the next several weeks.
In Ontario County, drives will be held at locations including Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua, Midlakes High School, Clifton Springs Hospital, Geneva General Hospital, Cornell AgriTech, and the Canandaigua and East Bloomfield fire departments.
Wayne County drives are scheduled at sites including Casey Park in Ontario, Walworth Fire Department, Palmyra Town Hall, Clyde Fire Department, Macedon Public Library, and Newark American Legion Post 286.
In Cayuga County, blood drives are planned at Fingerlakes Mall, Cato-Meridian High School, Tyburn Academy, D&W Diesel, First Presbyterian Church, St. Mary’s Church, and Nucor Steel.
Seneca County donation opportunities include drives at Sampson State Park in Romulus, the Ovid Fire Department, and Fingerlakes Christian Fellowship.
In Yates County, upcoming drives are scheduled at Penn Yan Academy, Dundee American Legion Post 660, and Marcus Whitman High School.
The Red Cross says blood donations are especially important heading into the busy summer season when donations often decline while demand remains steady.
Appointments can be scheduled through the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
