MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The American Red Cross recently held a blood drive at the Meridian Township Municipal Building Town Hall Room.

Over a five-hour period, the Red Cross accepted donations of blood by both appointment and walk-in. The blood given by a single donor can help save up to three lives. But, according to Red Cross Communications Manager Todd Kulman, the summer months are the most challenging time of year for the Lansing Red Cross branch.

"Kids, our high school kids, our college kids, they're obviously on summer break. They account for about 20% of our donations, so we're losing a large part of our donor base there," Kulman stated.

The Red Cross is seeking to counter the annual drop in donors with their '100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope' campaign by asking donors to choose one day to take an hour and donate blood.