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“Friends” with the Red Cross

The American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley 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: from 1:30-6 p.m. today at Mineral Wells Baptist Church education building at 1569 Elizabeth Pike; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 15, 22, 29 and Dec. 6 at the Parkersburg Blood Donation Center at 3210 Dudley Ave.; from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at Belpre Medical Campus — Memorial Health System, 807 Farson St.; and from 1-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 and Thursday, Dec. 5 at Grand Central Mall.

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.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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