In the summer, a lot of things slow down, including blood donations. That’s why the American Red Cross has come up with some interesting incentives to collect more blood.

“We see a direct dip in donations in summer,” Rhonda O’Banion with the American Red Cross said. This is attributed in part to vacations and the lack of high school and college blood drives in the summer. High schools and colleges contribute approximately 15% of total donations, O’Banion said.

One of the ways the American Red Cross in Columbia is attracting donors now is a giveaway of a six month pre–paid lease of a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of Galeana Chrysler Jeep Kia. Everyone who donates blood between June 1 and November 30, 2005, can enter to win the prize. This is the second year of this promotion.

Post office employees Ed Martin and Debbie Breland, along with Dylan Breland, entertain Dennis Moles while he donates blood. Photo courtesy of Harry E. Spratlin Another promotion that’s coming up is called “It’s Cool to Give Blood.” In August 2005, all donors will be given a chance to get a month’s utility bill paid. Promotions in the recent past included a beach bash; a drawing for $100 of free gas; and “It Doesn’t Take Magic to Save a Life,” where 50 copies of the new Harry Potter book were given away.

All of these incentives and give–aways are great, but the best gift you can get by donating blood is saving someone’s life. To donate, call the American Red Cross at 1–800–GIVE–LIFE.