LifeSouth Community Blood Centers’ blood donors not only have a chance to save a life by donating blood this July, they’ll also be entered into a drawing for a deluxe gas grill.

“We hope this adds a little more fun to donating and encourages people to give it a try as we deal with our seasonal drop in donations when schools are closed and many of our regular donors are vacationing,” said LifeSouth South Alabama District Director Judy Russell.

LifeSouth’s summer theme is “Saving Lives in Our Own Backyard,” and the grill drawing is one way to add a little more fun to that backyard. Each time a person donates they are entered into the drawing, so apheresis donors, who can give every two weeks, have the opportunity to enter twice. Apheresis donors also get another special thank you gift – a handy LifeSouth beach bag, just right for a trip to the pool, the lake or the river. All donors also will receive a thank you “Saving Lives in Our Own Backyard” T-shirt.

Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with written parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required.

In South Alabama LifeSouth has three donor center locations: in Montgomery at 1601 Eastern Blvd.; in Opelika at 505 E Thomason Circle; and in Dothan at 3833 Ross Clark Circle. Or donate on a LifeSouth bloodmobile. Call (toll free) 1-888-795-2707 to find the nearest blood drive. Or visit www.lifesouth.org.