The City of Surprise is joining forces with Vitalant Blood Donation in a bid to boost local blood supplies that typically run low during the scorching summer months. The city has announced a series of blood drive dates, inviting community members to help tackle the seasonal dip in donations.

Interested donors are urged to schedule an appointment by visiting the Vitalant website and using the Blood Drive Code P1T62, or by calling Jamie Michler at 623.222.5127, according to the city's announcement. Walk-ins are also welcome, though those with appointments will jump the queue.

The drives are set to kick off on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Asante Library and will follow up with three more dates at the Regional Library Program Room and Surprise City Hall Community Room through the end of July. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, making these drives crucial.

In a throwback twist, as a token of appreciation, donors who roll up their sleeves for a good cause between May 24 and May 31 will receive an exclusive '70s Decade Themed T-shirt from Vitalant. "Embrace groovy giving and spread the message that donating to help patients is as cool and timeless as ever," Vitalant encourages in a statement that echoes the vibes of the celebrated era.

Vitalant is a local non-profit, ensuring that donations made through their drives stay within the community, bolstering the health and readiness of local medical facilities. The drives represent more than just a simple act of giving; they're a vital link in a life-saving chain that sustains our neighbors in times of critical need.