Volunteer blood donors in Dallas County will get a chance to give blood and save lives Wednesday, as Rayco Industrial, Inc. will host a blood drive to collect blood for those in need.

The drive, which takes place at 3810 Highway 41 South, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last until 2:30 p.m. All volunteer donors will be entered in the “Spring into Giving” drawing, which gives them a chance to win a $1,000 gift card, as well as receive an American Red Cross T-shirt.

Blood stocks are generally low during the summer, according to a press release sent by Rayco, so it is important to have drives such as Wednesdays to promote the collection of blood.

“Students in high school and college comprise 21 percent of blood donors in this region, and when they aren’t available for donations at their respective schools, the blood inventory suffers,” the release said. “Also, because the summertime is a period filled with outdoor recreation, increased outside labor and more frequent vacation travel, an increase in the number of accidents has historically served to further deplete the blood supply.”

Because blood can be separated into three components — blood, platelets and plasma — one donation can benefit up to three individuals, the release said.

“It takes up to three days for blood to be processed and made available to hospitals,” the release said. “It is important that a donation be made ahead of an emergency.”

To schedule an appointment, call 418-6940.