Officials around the state say the ice storm earlier this year nearly wiped out the blood supply in Kentucky, and they are taking steps to keep it from happening again.

The Kentucky Blood Center is working hard to make sure the summer doesn't take a toll on the stockpile.

Blood drives like this one at Appalachian Wireless take place at dozens of businesses in Eastern Kentucky every summer, and that's when the need is critical.

"We use a lot of blood everyday. We use over 400 pints per day, so it takes over 400 donors a day to have the blood that we need," said Donor Recruitment Specialist, Richard Davis.

Davis says supplies are up right now, but the center wants to keep it that way. It took them until May to recoup from the ice storm shortage.

"That's the only way we can get it by folks willing to take their time and give their most valuable resource and that's lifesaving blood," added Davis.

In the summer months, Kentucky Blood Center sees a drastic drop in the number of donors. That's because about 30% of its blood supply comes from drives at high schools and colleges, so they turn to businesses and people in the community to donate.

"Our employees feel passionate about it, so they want to be able to come in and give blood and be able to make a difference in someone's life," said Danny VanHoose, Director of Marketing for Appalachian Wireless.

Everyone who volunteers to give blood through September is entered to win a new car, even if officials determine you can't donate.

"We want to give back to our donors, and hopefully someone will win a car here locally. Someone in Pike County won that last year, so the odds of winning are very good," said Davis.

And the odds of saving a life are even greater.

You can make an appointment to donate blood by visiting kybloodcenter.org or by calling 1-800-775-2522.