While spending time with our families and eating food fresh from the grill is all a part of celebrating the Fourth of July, it is also important — if not more so — to remember why we celebrate this special day.

And lucky for Selma and Dallas County residents, the Black Belt chapter of the American Red cross is providing residents with the perfect outlet to give back to the community, just like our veterans did, and still do overseas. The American Red Cross is encouraging individuals to join those who have stepped up to help save lives by donating blood this summer.

Blood donors throughout the city and county will have the opportunity to give blood at the Alabama News Network and Faith Radio, “Donor Round Up,” Tuesday, July 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in downtown Selma at the Red Cross Bloodmobile.

Residents across Central Alabama will also be able to participate in Montgomery on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Eastdale Mall and Thursday, July 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Wetumpka at 205 West Bridge St., Wetumpka.

We encourage all residents to take advantage of this great opportunity, as it is an easy way to give to those who need it most and save lives of people who are just like those in the Selma community. Representatives from the American Red Cross admitted that having multiple “Donor Round Up” blood drives throughout the state will give donors across the area a convenient venue to make an impact on the blood supply this summer, which often proves to be less than other months.

“Summer is always a critical time for blood needs,” said Jakki Phillips, Black Belt director for the American Red Cross. “A lot of our regular donors are not it sedentary positions because of vacation time, and also we miss a lot of our regular donors.”

Blood donation is a simple, and free way to easily support our nation this Fourth of July, and we encourage everyone to give if they are able to. Because it takes several days to process blood before it is made available, it is important that these donations are made ahead of time.