Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2010

Christmas is still a little more than a week away, but there is still time to get into the holiday spirit.

Several area organizations — schools, churches, service groups, are collecting food for the needy.

It’s been a tough year, not only in Michiana, but also around the country and people are in need of food, clothing and toys this holiday season.

It’s never too late to step up and make a donation to one of these organizations and brighten someone else’s Christmas season.

We have always been amazed at how well the people of southwest Michigan take care of each other in a time of need. There is no greater time than now.

Contact your local service groups, school district or church to find out who is holding food drives.

There is also a need at this time of year for blood donations.

The American Red Cross points out that December is a particularly hard month for donations because of the weather.

Four blood drives were canceled on Monday alone, which means that 211 donations were not received to help the 60 hospitals throughout the Great Lakes Region.

The Red Cross is offering a $500 Best Buy gift certificate, as well as a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for two to Chicago to see the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball second and third round games in March. That promotion ends on Feb. 28.

If it is the incentive you need to give blood, those are two pretty good prizes.

But if you just want to help someone out this holiday season, then there is no better way than to give the gift of life.

Check out redcrossblood.org for more information on how to give blood.