Summer is an active season in south Alabama with backyard barbecues, weekends on the lake, trips in the family roadster. Unfortunately, along with all that summer fun, there are more accidents on the highway, the water and everywhere else, it seems. More elective surgeries also take place during the summer season as well. And cancer and leukemia patients continue to need blood for treatment.

It all adds up to summertime blood shortages. That’s the reason the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce is once again teaming with the American Red Cross and CBS TV 8 (WAKA) for its annual blood drive. The event will be held next Wednesday, June 8 at the Chamber of Commerce offices in the Old Depot.

Last year’s event was a success, and Carol Lee, director of the local chamber, says she expects this year’s drive to be even better.

&uot;Apparently, a lot of regular donors don’t give blood before going off on summer vacation, and with all the accidents and things that happen, there is just not enough blood to go around during the summer months – there is a critical need,&uot; Lee said.

While no one ever expects to need blood, virtually every person will need donated blood at some point in his or her life.

Lee is confident the Camellia City will come through once again for its citizens.

&uot;We have a great community spirit here in Greenville and we encourage everyone to think in terms of the community – how we can potentially help or neighbor, our friend, our co-worker when we give blood,&uot; Lee said.

The Red Cross supplies the local hospital, LV Stabler Memorial.

&uot;We are asking everyone in the Greenville area who is able to donate blood to stop by our office next Wednesday and make that donation. We have some great T-shirts and other giveaways for all our donors, and of course, juice and snacks – we’ll take care of you,&uot; Lee said.

For more information about the upcoming blood drive, contact the Chamber offices at 382-3251.