We have been overwhelmed by the response of our local community following the terrorist attacks of September 11th. For those of you who are willing to give blood, we ask you to schedule an appointment for Thursday, September 27th from noon to 7. The drive will be held at the Convocation Center.

Our Columbus blood center and our national organization had enough blood on hand to be able to send hundreds of units of blood to New York and Washington the day the terrorists struck. Now we must continue to make sure blood is available for the days and weeks ahead.

We are also collecting much-needed funds for our disaster relief effort. Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are on the scene in New York and Washington, offering comfort, blankets, food, beverages, first aid and many more services to all those affected. Any monetary donation would be appreciated.

For those who are willing to travel to neighboring chapters, blood drives will be held at:

Parkersburg, W. Va.:

• Friday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Call (304) 485-7311

Marietta:

• Saturday, Sept. 22
  Call (740) 373-0281

Lancaster:

• Monday, Sept. 24th at the Lions Building
  Call (740) 687-5585

In Athens County and at Ohio University, we will also have blood drives on the following dates:

• Thursday, Sept. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center Lobby
• Monday, Oct. 1 at The Plains United Methodist Church in The Plains
• Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the First United Methodist Church in Athens
• Thursday, Oct. 11 at the First Baptist Church, East State St. Athens
• Tuesday, Oct. 30 on Ohio University's East Green

To make an appointment or for more information call the Red Cross at 593-5273. Thank you for your support!