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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."
The Tri-State Area has not been immune to ravages of the storms -- a tornado in May struck parts of Jefferson, Hancock and Beaver counties, and, Wednesday night's severe weather included a tornado that touched down about two miles south of Imperial, Pa.
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 e-mailed 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: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church on Colliers Way in Weirton; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the medical office building at Weirton Medical Center; from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 8 at Hancock County Senior Services in New Cumberland; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 at Froehlich's Classic Corner in Steubenville; from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15 at Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville; from noon to 5 p.m. July 19 at Crossroads North River Campus in Toronto; from noon to 5 p.m. July 26 at the Wells Township Community and Senior Center in Brilliant; from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 29 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Steubenville and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 at Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
You can find information about any of these drives -- plus others that are scheduled through the region -- and make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
"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 also is grateful for those who roll up their sleeves and answer the call, even if it does mean they have to 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.