The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to help ensure blood is available for patients in need by giving blood in May before the busy summer season kicks in.

Blood and platelet donations often decrease when regular donors are vacationing and school is out of session, but the need for blood is constant. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to summer to help alleviate this seasonal decline, the Red Cross said in a news release.

Donors of all blood types — especially those with types O-negative, A-negative and B-negative — are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who donate blood between May 23 and 25 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross-branded RuMe tote bag while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Here are some local upcoming blood-donation opportunities:

• Monday, May 18: 1-6 p.m. at Compass Worship Center, 212 E. Cypress St., Ludowici

• Friday, May 22: 1-6 p.m. at Liberty Regional Medical Center, 462 E.G. Miles Parkway, Hinesville

• Friday, May 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hinesville City Hall, 115 E. M.L. King Jr. Drive, Hinesville.