Summertime is busy, between barbecues, trips to the beach, youth league baseball games and other events we enjoy during the warm weather.

With all the vacations and activity, one vital need in this community can easily get overlooked — the need for blood donors.

LifeSouth will hold a blood drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot on U.S. 31 in Clanton.

We encourage everyone to try to give blood and help potentially save a life.

As Melinda Hinds, a LifeSouth district coordinator, said: “Summertime is always a critical time. People are on vacation, but the need never takes a vacation.”

Donations only takes about half an hour, and that 30 minutes can give someone life.

Donors need to bring photo identification and must weigh 110 pounds or more and be at least 17 years old. Donors who are 16 years old must have a parent sign a consent form, which will be available onsite.

All blood types are needed, but particularly the negative blood types.

All donors will receive a “Blood Donors in Paradise” T-shirt and will be entered for a chance to win a $500 travel voucher.