The American Red Cross will have its big community blood drive coming up in Selma.

The CBS Selma Donor Round up will begin Wednesday at 1 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. at 133 Broad St., across from Carter Drug.

Summertime is a key time for blood shortages, said Ivy Pittman, account manager for blood services.

“The summer causes a shortage of blood in our region for several reasons. First of all, school is out during the summer months. Students in high school and college comprise 21 percent of blood donors in this region, and when they aren’t available for donations at their respective schools, the blood inventory suffers,” Pittman said. “Also, because the summertime is a period filled with outdoor recreation, increased outside labor and more frequent vacation travel, an increase in the number of accidents has historically served to further deplete the blood supply.”

All presenting donors will be entered to win a $1000 Gas Card in our Regional American Red Cross Give Away, plus just for this drive enter to win a $25 Teddy Card from Taylorville Family Entertainment Center, a beautiful frame from Brown Drug Company, an executive poker set from Swift Drug Co., Burt Bee’s lotion gift bag from Truax & Co, a Mia Bella’s Gourmet Candle from Pilcher McBryde Drug Co., and insulated lunch bags from CBS 8.