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The American Red Cross Ohio River Valley Chapter is looking for some help from its "Friends" in another plea to get potential donors to step away from their busy schedules to roll up their sleeves.
As a celebration of 30 years since the start of the beloved sitcom "Friends," the Red Cross hopes donors will grab a friend "and be there for patients by making a blood donation." Those who do so between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8 will get two pairs of Friends+Red Cross socks.
Think of it as being an act in the spirit of "Friendsgiving."
"Festive activities and busy calendars this time of year can disrupt normal routines, leading to a drop in blood donation appointments," the Red Cross said in a news release. "Eligible individuals are encouraged to make donating blood a priority, especially those with type O blood."
Upcoming local drives include: Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Froehlich's Classic Corner, 501 Washington St., Steubenville; Thursday, noon to 5:30 p.m., Christ the Teacher Academic Hall, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 336 W. Main St., Richmond; Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crossroads North River Campus, 207 N. River Ave., Toronto; Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m to 3 p.m., Crossroads Christian Church, 110 Springdale Ave., Wintersville; Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bluewave Center, 1400 Main St. Follansbee; Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m to 6 p.m., Word of Life Fellowship, 565 Lovers Lane, Steubenville; Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration, 1626 Cadiz Road, Wintersville; Dec. 18, noon to 5 p.m., Jefferson County Court No. 1, 1007 Franklin St., Toronto; and Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weirton Medical Center Office Building, 601 Colliers Way.
There are plenty of demands on our time and our instinct to help one another this season. There are plenty of demands on the Red Cross, too, as it also continues its work to relieve families affected by disasters among other services.
"Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country," the organization said.
It's true. Sure, a pair of custom "Friends" socks sounds nice, but the greater reward is knowing what you are doing will not just help someone, but maybe even save a life.