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

A blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Hinesville City Hall, 115 East M.L. King Drive. As a thank you, those who donate blood or platelets through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

In August, regular donors may delay giving as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red donations can be made every 112 days.

Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).