By Kristi Latham and Brian Szabelski, American Red Cross

Summer months are historically challenging for the blood supply—donor turnout dips while patient need stays constant. This year, those challenges have been stronger, leading to the Red Cross declaring a national blood crisis.

In response, people from across Colorado Springs and southern Colorado have stepped up to answer the call, and that generosity was evident at a recent blood drive at Pikes Peak Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Generations of donors came to give blood, several of whom donate regularly.

Lauren Campbell, a college student home on summer break, said she typically makes a point to donate whether she is at school in California or at home in Colorado.

"At school, I just always go. We have one of the trucks on campus and so, I stop on my way home. Give a little, you know," Lauren said.

When she's home, she often goes with her dad. "He's such a trooper. I’m like, 'Let's donate blood.' He’s like, 'Okay.' He has huge veins, so they just love him. He’s easy."

For the Pikes Peak Library blood drive, a Looney Tunes™ T-shirt giveaway caught her eye and inspired her to sign up.

"The T-shirt is definitely why I'm here, low key. I love to donate, 'cause I'm O [-negative], so I feel obligated, kind of. It makes me feel good to be able to donate and have it go so many places. But the T-shirt is definitely a nice benefit," Lauren said.

At the opposite end of the generational spectrum are Allen and Roxann Summers, a couple both in their eighties who maintained their commitment to donating blood every eight weeks by giving on their 65th wedding anniversary.

"We started right after we were married, so close to 65 years," Roxann recalled.

Allen continued, "When I was working in the working world, I'd regularly give blood. And she just kinda followed along. We've done it together for many years. In fact, when we were living in Portland and I was working there, we would give blood. And one of the traditions was to go out to lunch afterwards."

"All these years and it's just part of our life. Every eight weeks, we know we give blood," Roxann said. "We spend winters in Arizona, and when we're down there, we are already on their schedule to give. So, wherever we are, we give blood. We'll keep giving until they tell us we can't."

When reminded that they got a T-shirt for donating, Roxann teased, "That's what I come for—the T-shirt. The newest one has cute little figurines on it. Porky Pig and all those."

The generosity of those in Colorado Springs continued to be on display through July, including drives at the Red Cross of Southern Colorado's offices and a blood drive at Broadmoor World Arena held in collaboration with the Gazette Charities Foundation Empty Stocking Fund.

In particular, the Empty Stocking Fund blood drive showed the kindness and compassion of people across the region. A total of 54 units of blood were collected from 43 donors, 34 of who were first-time blood donors with the Red Cross.

"The Empty Stocking Fund was thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross for a summer blood drive," said Danielle Ramacciotti, executive director of the Gazette Charities Foundation Empty Stocking Fund. "As one of the fund's valued partner agencies, we are proud to support the critical mission and lifesaving work the Red Cross carries out every day."

"We were grateful for the strong turnout from the Southern Colorado community," Danielle noted. "Whether participants scheduled an appointment in advance or stopped by after finding time in their day, every donor made a difference. Their generosity and willingness to help others embody the spirit of community that makes our region so special."

"I was also honored to donate blood at the event," Danielle added, "and the Red Cross team made the experience both comfortable and effortless."

For Heidi Richmond, Red Cross of Southern Colorado executive director, seeing her fellow Colorado Springs residents answer the call is powerful. Heidi herself recently made an appointment and donated blood at a drive in Colorado Springs.

"When someone chooses to donate blood, they're choosing to become someone's lifeline in a moment of need. Every appointment truly matters." Heidi said. "No matter which drive you choose to donate at, with only an hour of your time, you give hope to those most desperately in need."

Whether you're a first-time donor, a regular like Lauren, Roxann and Allen, or someone just wanting to make a difference like Danielle, consider grabbing a friend or family member to build a lifesaving habit by donating blood.

Individuals of all blood types are urged to make an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).