The American Red Cross is urging blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage.

A blood drive will be held Thursday, Aug. 25 from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Church, 1301 Milnwood Road.

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 Red Cross press release.

In appreciation for helping to save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross through Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

Schedule an appointment by visiting www.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 www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.