The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a summer blood shortage. The first of several opportunities to donate in the coastal Georgia area will be from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Richmond Hill Fire Department, 9930 Ford Ave.

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

Donors of all blood types are needed to give now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. 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 Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.