As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July.

The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it, Red Cross officials said.

By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care, the Red Cross officials added. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you for helping, all those who come to give June 30-July 10 will receive an exclusive Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 1-15:

Herkimer County

• Herkimer — Tuesday, July 5, 1 to 6 p.m., Frank J. Basloe Library, 245 N. Main St.;
• Little Falls — Thursday, July 7, Noon to 5 p.m., Little Falls Elks Lodge, 60 Ann St.;
• Mohawk — Tuesday, July 12, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 25 Mohawk, 43 W. Main St.

Madison County

• Canastota — Wednesday, July 13, 1 to 6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 3835 Canal Road;
• Cazenovia — Thursday, July 7, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 88, 26 Chenango St.;
• Chittenango — Thursday, July 14, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Chittenango Library, 101 Falls Blvd.;
• Hamilton — Thursday, July 7, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 27 Broad St.;
• Munnsville — Friday, July 8, 1 to 6 p.m., Munnsville Fire Department, 5210 S. Main St.;
• Oneida — Friday, July 1, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oneida American Legion, 398 N. Main St.; Thursday, July 14, noon to 5 p.m., Oneida YMCA, 701 Seneca St.

Oneida County

• Rome — Friday, July 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rome Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2246, 315 N. Washington St.;
• Sherrill — Tuesday, July 12, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 230 Sherrill, 168 E. Seneca St.;
• Utica — Wednesday, July 6, 1 to 7 p.m., American Legion Post 229, 409 Herkimer Road;
• Waterville — Saturday, July 9, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Waterville Village Hall, 122 Barton Ave.;
• Whitesboro — Friday, July 15, noon to 5 p.m., Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St.