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

The summer months are among the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities.

In appreciation for helping to save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include: 

Paris: 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

New Gloucester: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Pineland Farms, 59 Pineland Drive.

Bridgton: 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Masonic Hall, Harrison Road, Route 117.

Casco: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Point Sebago, 261 Point Sebago Road.

Lewiston: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St.

Freeport: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St.

Topsham: 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Smitty’s Cinema, 65 Topsham Fair Road.

FMI, appointment: 1-800-733-2767, www.redcross.org.