WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations this summer.

Red Cross officials say blood donations often decline during the summer, when schools are out and vacations are in.

The Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment to give now.

Donors who present to give blood between May 23 and 31 in honor of Memorial Day could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards to create their own summer of stories.

The Red Cross says they serve about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country, including many Veterans Affairs medical centers.

You can learn more and make an appointment to donate blood by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Butler County, MO

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Mission of Mercy will host a large-scale dental clinic May 3-4 at the Show Me Center.

The clinic will provide free oral healthcare to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford care. Doors open at 5 a.m. Organizers say you can arrive early as the clinic is first come, first serve until they reach capacity. It is open to both adults and children, but no child care will be available.

MOMOM says to expect a long day. Dental services offered will include cleanings, fillings and extractions. They say they will not provide crowns, bridges or dentures.

For more information, you can click here to visit them online.

The Show Me Center is located at 1334 North Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross is offering some safety steps to use while preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

“We want folks to have a safe holiday,” said Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Service Officer “We have steps they can follow to avoid ruining their holiday with a cooking fire.”

According to the Red Cross, the cooks should start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended, stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove. Other safety steps include: