Shelby County residents during the next several weeks will have a chance to win a few big-ticket prizes while working to help those in need.

The American Red Cross in this weekend and next month will be holding blood drives at four Alabaster and Columbiana locations.

Saturday’s event, the Weatherly Homeowners Association 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive, will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 100 Weatherly Way.

The Red Cross also will host a drive Oct. 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alabaster at 903 Third Ave. N.W. A third blood drive will be held in Columbiana Oct. 16 at the Shelby County Board of Education at 410 E. College St. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Red Cross also will sponsor a drive Oct. 22 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Shelby Baptist Health Center in Alabaster.

Everyone who registers to donate blood in September will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card, and those who give in October will have a chance to win a pair of round-trip domestic tickets on Delta Air Lines.

“It’s just an extra way for us to show donors how much we really appreciate them,” said Evan Duffy, communications manager for the Red Cross regional office in Mobile. “Everyone who registers to give blood will be entered into drawings with everyone else who registered in the region.

“It’s a token of our appreciation,” Duffy said. “We know it’s hard to find an hour of your day to come out and give blood. It’s the least we can do to have promotions like this.”

Eligible donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, must be at least 17 years old and must be in generally good health. To register for the drives ahead of time, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit Redcrossblood.org.