Red Cross recognizes hometown heroes

In observance of 2007 National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, the Red Cross is celebrating hometown heroes.

Volunteers constitute 96 percent of the total American Red Cross work force to carry on the organization's humanitarian work.

According to the American Red Cross website, Red Cross volunteers donate nearly half the nation's blood supply, reconnect more than 8,000 families separated by conflicts and disasters around the world through international tracking and Red Cross messages, and respond to 70,000 disasters annually. Bloodmobile to be in Flora

The Red Cross encourages Carroll County residents to join other hometown heroes by giving blood on Thursday, April 19, at the Flora United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The church is located at 107 E. Main Street.

Visit www.redcross.org/ hometownheroes to meet hometown heroes from across the nation, to submit an original definition of a hometown hero, or to send an e-card thanking someone for being a hometown hero.

Anyone at least 17 years of age, weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification.

For more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1-800- GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448- 3543).