January is National Blood Donor Month and to celebrate this special time, the Red Cross invites the community to donate blood at one of two upcoming blood drives in Polk County.

Blood donation offers every individual the opportunity to give the most precious gift there is – a gift that costs the donor no money, just an hour of time. Make a new year’s resolution to start a new habit of donating blood, and make it a habit for life.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Polk County:

Monday, Jan. 14

Holy Cross Episcopal Church

Melrose Ave. in Tryon

12:30 – 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 28

American Red Cross Chapter

231 Ward St. in Columbus

2 – 6:30 p.m.

To make an appointment to give blood, call 1-800-733-2767, or visit redcrossblood.org or call the Polk County office at 828-894-2700. The need for blood is constant. The gratification is instant. A pint of blood can save up to three lives.

– article submitted by Janet Peterson and Jerry Perry