American Red Cross: '100 Days of Summer; 100 Days of Hope'

The "100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope." campaign seeks to increase blood donations during the summer months, a time when donations typically drop. Patients need blood throughout the summer, but the Red Cross sees about two fewer donors at each blood drive between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays.

HOW TO HELP

The Red Cross needs to collect 15,000 blood donations every day - even during the summer - to have enough blood to help the patients like young Drew in 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. People can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to make a donation appointment.

All blood types are needed. A blood donor card or 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 general 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.