(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

“We never take a holiday because disasters never take a holiday.”

As Wood County Commissioners recognized American Red Cross Month, Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, reminded them just how vital the organization is to our communities.

The Red Cross provides services to the armed forces, disaster services, training for CPR and first aid and, of course, blood and blood product services.

Locally, Kesselring said the Red Cross helped 81 people, and “put more than $22,000 into the pockets of individuals that had suffered disasters in this county.” More than 175 smoke alarms were installed in 60 homes, for free.

That work requires donors, volunteers and supporters.

Volunteers help with disasters such as the flooding last summer in the Northern Panhandle. If you have the time and ability, it is worth considering whether you could be part of the next batch called to help your neighbors.

Meanwhile, it is even more likely you are qualified to help in a different way. Blood donors are constantly needed.

Upcoming local blood drives include: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, March 20 and 27, at the Parkersburg Blood Donation Center at 3210 Dudley Ave.; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 25 at Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, 215 Fifth St., Marietta; and from noon to 6 p.m. March 30 at South Parkersburg Baptist Church, 1655 Blizzard Drive, Parkersburg.

In approving a $5,000 donation to the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, Commission President Blair Couch said, “We challenge all of the others to find it in their hearts to give.”

That means time, money AND blood.

Do what you can; and don’t take for granted just how much the Red Cross does for us.