Tuesday, July 5, 2011 2:13 pm

Looking for ways to cut vacation spending this summer? Donate blood with the American Red Cross and you could win free gas. One winner each week!

No matter what, you’re a winner for giving blood. In about an hour, you can turn a typical summer day into an extraordinary gift for a patient in need. A single donation can help save up to three lives. And that is no ordinary summer activity.

Locally, you may give blood on Thursday, July 21, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Lions Club Building located at 540 W. Adams St. in Woodbury.

As an extra incentive this summer, anyone who presents to donate blood with the Red Cross between July 1 and Sept. 5 is automatically entered into a drawing for a $250 gas card. On Labor Day weekend, anyone presenting to donate Friday through Monday is automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card.

The need for blood remains constant.  In fact, levels of Type O blood are at critically low levels. If you have Type O, especially O-negative, please give blood soon.    

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your donation appointment today.