Two hours a year; 120 minutes out of 525,600.

That’s all it takes to save a life.

Blood donors save lives.

Blood, moreover blood donors, can save up to two lives per donation.

About 700 donations are needed per day in our region just to meet the current need for blood, according to a spokesperson.

The reason for the summer shortage is twofold. Students, who make up about 21 percent of the donor population during the school year, are away from school during the summer vacation months. This greatly impacts collections through June, July and August.

At the same time, the demand for blood and blood products generally goes up in the summer, with the increased travel on local roads and the higher potential for injury due to more outside recreational activities.

The Kick Off to Summer drive will be held on Friday, June 8, 12 to 6 p.m. in the Target Wing of Colonial Mall Bel-Air in Mobile.

The event is sponsored by WKRG, Blue Cliff Career College, Blue Bell Ice Cream and the American Red Cross.

Donors will get a free Red Cross T-shirt, a Red Cross cap, Banana Boat suntan lotion samples, a lei and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream.

Donors will also be registered for a chance to win one of two $750 gas cards from Citgo being awarded in the region during June.

Donors must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

Donors must also bring a photo ID or Red Cross donor card to give blood.

(Submitted by Evan Duffy)