LEXINGTON – Even though it’s hot outside, here’s a cool idea – Kentuckians can save lives while also helping to reduce hunger this month.

Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and God’s Pantry Food Bank are teaming up to provide Kentuckians the opportunity to give back to their communities during July, a time when the needs are high.

Blood donors will have the chance to forgo their donor gifts in lieu of having KBC donate the value of those gifts to God’s Pantry Food Bank. For the cost of a KBC T-shirt, for instance, God’s Pantry can feed a hungry person for nearly four days.

Both food and blood donations typically slow down in the summer months, but the need remains high. “With the record-breaking temperatures, we’ve seen fewer donors than expected. We especially encourage donors to give blood during this important holiday week to prevent a decline in blood availability for patients,” said Martha Osborne, Executive Director of Recruitment and Marketing. “So this is a great opportunity to help hungry families and Kentucky patients,” she added.

Donors 18 and over who register to donate through Sept. 14 will be automatically eligible to win a 2012 Toyota RAV4, the grand prize in KBC’s Summer4Life. All blood types are needed but there is a particular need for donors with negative blood types – O, A, B, & AB negative.

To find a donation location or to schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.