The YMCA Summer Challenge encourages you to be a champion

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Local nonprofit We Are Blood (WRB), partnered with Greater Austin YMCAs, are encouraging residents to compete in a Summer Challenge and donate blood during a time where donations are low, according to a news release from We Are Blood.

This summer, WRB has seen a drop in blood donations. WRB is one of the sole blood providers to 50 hospitals in the Central Texas area, the release said. In the spirit of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, WRB and YMCA have organized a summer challenge where blood donors may feel that same spirit by becoming a local champion.

The nonprofit said a single donation can save around three lives. The Summer Challenge drive is taking place at 11 different locations across Austin. It runs from July 29 through Sept. 5.

• On July 31 you can donate at the YMCA of Austin Town Lake from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• On Aug. 1 you can donate at the Georgetown Family YMCA from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• On Aug. 2 you can donate at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes and CHASCO Family YMCA from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• On Aug. 3 you can donate at the North Austin YMCA from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• On Aug. 8 you can donate at Hutto Family YMCA and Twin Lakes Family YMCA from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• On Sept. 5 you can donate at the Northwest Family YMCA from 8 a.m. to noon.