The Independence Day holiday will surely ignite many spectacular fireworks extravaganzas, and the American Red Cross is also counting on a spark of donors to boost the blood supply.

The Red Cross will be at St. Edwards Catholic Church (2000 Oakland Ave. W) on Thursday, July 7, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Oak Park Mall (1301 18th Ave. NW) on Friday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. During the holiday week and throughout the summer, donations tend to dip, but the need for blood is constant.

While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, Rh negative blood types are always in high demand, because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types. Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.

Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood.