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WEIRTON -- This year, there are approximately 20,000 fewer blood donations due to extreme weather conditions across America.
The nonprofit Vitalant, one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, is urging all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood this July.
Donations around the Fourth of July holiday are typically among the lowest of the year, officials stated.
Patients requiring the gift of blood, however, do not have the opportunity to take a vacation.
As a special thank-you gift, all donors who give from Monday through July 7, and who opt-in to donor rewards, can receive an exclusive "Team Donor" T-shirt, while supplies last.
From July 8 through July 27, donors will automatically be entered into Vitalant's Summer Car Giveaway promotion, for the chance to win a vehicle valued up to $30,000.
It's easy to make a difference. To learn more and make an appointment, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call (877) 258-4825.
Upcoming blood drives include: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Fellowship Hall, 300 Three Springs Drive, Weirton, noon to 4 p.m. July 15; and the Lion Follansbee drive, located in Follansbee Municipal Park, 872 Main St., Follansbee, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 24.
The American Red Cross also is asking for patients to donate the gift of blood to patients in need.
Red Cross officials announced donors can be "a powerful force for good."
The nonprofit has teamed with Universal Pictures for the release of "Twisters," to help avoid a summer blood shortage.
Those who come to give blood or platelets from Monday through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by e-mail.
Donors giving in July will be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn. To schedule a time to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call (800) RED-CROSS or use the Red Cross blood donor app.