By The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is asking for blood donors of all blood types to give before the Labor Day holiday.

Despite donations given in late July, the organization still has an urgent need for blood. Donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.

Blood donations often decline during the summer months, particularly around summer holidays. With school starting back up and summer activities coming to an end, there is still time for eligible donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this summer.

To encourage donations over the Labor Day holiday weekend, all donors who come out to donate blood August 30 through September 1, will receive a Red Cross mason jar tumbler, while supplies last.

A blood donor card, 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.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit the website or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood drive opportunities: Aug. 16- Sept. 1

Montgomery County/Clarksville

8/18/2014: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM: American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
8/20/2014: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Daymar Institute Clarksville, 2691 Trenton Road
8/25/2014: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
8/27/2014: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Mathews Nissan, 185 Hwy 76
8/27/2014: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Grace Church of the Nazarene, 3135 Trenton Road
8/28/2014: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM: American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street
9/1/2014: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street

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, please visit The Red Cross website or follow @RedCross on Twitter.