With the amount of blood donations that decline during the summer, the American Red Cross is encouraging donors to make an appointment to give now to help ensure a stable supply in the weeks and months ahead.

The American Red Cross is offering donors who present to give blood between May 23 and 31 in honor of Memorial Day the opportunity to win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards to create their own summer of stories. In addition, their donations will honor those who have given their life for our country and support those in need of care.

The Red Cross serves about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country, including many Veterans Affairs medical centers.

The American Red Cross will have a blood donation event in Oneida County on May 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the AmericInn, 648 W. Kemp St. in Rhinelander.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.