Your view: Keep donating

March is American Red Cross Month and 2007 marks the 64th anniversary for the National Red Cross Month.

In 1943 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first proclamation naming March as American Red Cross Month!

The rest -as they say is history, and history lives on as years pass and seasons change.

How very much aware we are the changing season and the signs of new life! We were never more aware of the beginning of new life than witnessing someone giving part of their life for another! We saw that first hand at our recent blood drive hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston on Thursday, March15!

Once again we exceeded our goal thanks to the faithful donors who came out to give blood in the church's new Life Center! On behalf of the American Red Cross, I would like to thank each and everyone who rolled up their sleeves, sacrificed their time and literally their blood so someone else could live! We would also like to thank the Rotary Club who continues to be committed in their support!

If you have never given blood I challenge you to come out and join us at our next community blood drive in May. If you would like to give before then you can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to find the drive nearest you. WE NEED YOU! "The bottom line is, without an adequate supply of blood, surgeries could be canceled and patient's lives could be at stake."

When you help the American Red Cross you are making a difference! If you want your life to matter there is nothing you could do "to matter" more to the life you are saving! Blood can not be manufactured it must come from people willing to give their life-line to someone they don't even know so they will continue to live! In doing so, you give another Birthday another day at the beach or just another chance to give a hug! Life is a precious gift, thank you for giving because help can't wait!

May God Bless

Freida Cardwell

American Red Cross