Trending
Give them credit, the American Red Cross knows when to make alliances with adversaries, if it will help it complete its mission. With the startlingly high number of tornadoes this season, the Red Cross notes "It's vital for blood donors to make time in between summer celebrations to give blood and help ensure lifesaving blood products are ready the moment they are needed in times of disaster or where severe weather may prevent people from being able to donate."
And to encourage donors in July, the organization has teamed up with none other than Universal Pictures' new movie "Twisters."
Genius. Those who help replenish the critically low levels of blood and blood products this month will get an emailed Fandango movie ticket, a "Twisters" and Red Cross umbrella during the first half of the month, and be entered to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn.
Local opportunities to give include: n
Orchard Hall, located at 476 Harper Road in Elkins, will host a blood drive on Wednesday, July 17 from 1-6 p.m. Future blood drives at Orchard Hall are set for Aug. 14 and Sept. 11, from 1-6 p.m. each time.
Other local blood drives include events at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Buckhannon on Monday, July 22, from noon to 5 p.m.; at the First United Methodist Church in Parsons on Monday, Aug. 19 from noon to 5 p.m.; at the Courtyard by Marriott in Bridgeport on Friday, July 5, from noon to 5 p.m., and at the Benedum Center in Bridgeport on Wednesday, July 10 from 1-6 p.m.; and at the Parks and Recreations Building in Marlinton on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from noon to 6 p.m.
Go to RedCrossBlood.org to find out more.
"The Red Cross is grateful to have partners like Universal Pictures who are not only lending this support to encourage blood donations during this critical time of year but have also generously donated to help support disaster relief," said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is also grateful for those who roll up their sleeves and answer the call, even if it does mean they have to (ahem) twist your arm.
Take a minute to look at the date, time and place that fits your schedule in July and go get it done.