Fewer people typically donate blood in the summer, making it the most difficult time of year for the American Red Cross. But what's even more trying this summer is that blood donations nationwide are down 10 percent.

To help meet the need, WJAC-TV will have its 27th Annual Donor Day on Friday from 1-7 p.m. in Johnstown and Punxsutawney. People who donate blood will receive a coupon for a pint of ice cream from Gallikers.

Red Cross officials said the need for blood never stops, which is why they say they're reaching out aggressively locally and nationally for people to donate blood.

"We're concerned. The blood supply is about 50 percent at what it was this time last year," John Hagins, chief executive officer of the Greater Alleghenies Blood Service Region, said earlier this week.

Hagins said the American Red Cross relies heavily on high school and college donations throughout the year, accounting for about 25 percent of donations each day. But in the summer, with schools not in session and families on vacation, donations become scarcer.

"Right now blood donations nationwide are down 10 percent over what we expected for June, which means that's a shortfall of 50,000 pints of blood," he said.

Locally, blood banks are taking a hit. They're urging people to donate, but with the Fourth of July holiday coming up, businesses may have extended closings.

"We're concerned we won't have enough scheduled next week in order to meet the demand moving into July," Hagins said.

To donate blood, a person must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds.