Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which recognizes the importance of a safe and stable blood supply and the donors who make it possible.

Nearly 2.5 million people volunteer to give lifesaving blood and platelets every year with the Red Cross — and organization officials urge eligible donors to be part of something big by making an appointment to give blood or platelets this month.

Blood donations decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break, the officials added.

Blood and platelet donors are critically important in ensuring lifesaving care is available the moment patients need it.

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, in honor of the new Baz Luhrmann film, “Elvis,” all who come to give in June will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for two, including round-trip airfare to Memphis, Tennessee, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Oneida County

• Barneveld — Wednesday, June 22, 1 to 5:30 p.m., CenterPoint Church, 8021 Route 12
• Camden — Tuesday, June 28, 1 to 6 p.m., St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 35 Third St.
• Clinton — Friday, June 24, 1 to 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 105 Utica Road
• Lee Center — Friday, June 17, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Lee Center Community, 5808 Stokes- Lee Center Road
• New Hartford — Thursday, June 30, noon to 5 p.m., New Hartford Fire Department, 4 Oxford Road
• Oriskany — Thursday, June 23, noon to 5 p.m., American Legion Post 1448, 7908 Route 69
• Oriskany Falls — Thursday, June 30, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 569, 115 Madison St.
• Rome — Thursday, June 16, 1 to 6 p.m., VFW Post 2246, 315 N. Washington St.; Friday, June 24, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., VFW Post 2246, 315 N. Washington St.
• Utica — Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oneida County Office Building, 800 Park Ave.

Herkimer County

• Dolgeville — Tuesday, June 21, 1 to 6 p.m., Dolgeville Fire Department, 20 S. Helmer Ave.
• Frankfort — Tuesday, June 21, 1 to 6 p.m., VFW, 4274 Acme Road
• Herkimer — Wednesday, June 22, 1 to 6 p.m., Frank J. Basloe Library, 245 N. Main St.; Thursday, June 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arc Herkimer, 350 S. Washington St.
• Ilion — Thursday, June 30, 1 to 6 p.m., Ilion Marine Corps, 178 Second St.

Madison County

• Cazenovia — Thursday, June 23, 1 to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 88, 26 Chenango St.
• Chittenango — Thursday, June 30, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., St.
  Patrick’s Church, 1341 Murray Drive.
• Hamilton — Friday, June 24, noon to 5 p.m., Hamilton Public Library, 13 Broad St.
• Oneida — Wednesday, June 29, 1 to 6 p.m., Oneida Public Library, 459 Main St.
• Peterboro — Thursday, June 16, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Smithfield Community Center, 5255 Pleasant Valley Road.