Every 2.5 seconds someone needs blood—a friend, a family member or maybe even you. The need is real! You never know when you are going to be on the other side, the one who is in need of help from others. We want people to understand that donating blood saves lives.

To encourage blood donation, Kim Durham and Ryan Christian are inviting you to help save lives at their second Appreciation Blood Drive at the Quality Inn on February 1.

There is a great need for blood donors. According to the American Red Cross, only three in 100 people eligible currently donate blood, yet an estimated 5 million people require life-saving blood transfusions each year. Donating is easy; and for every one person that donates, at least three patients will benefit. Any healthy individual, age 17 through 75, and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate blood.

Our special thanks go out to Mrs. Sallie Stone of The Blood Alliance and Mr. Dick Stewart of 303 Associates, for without their help and support, this drive would not be possible.

The blood drive at the Quality Inn is sponsored by the The Blood Alliance and is open to the public. Appointments are recommended, however walk-ins are also welcome. The event location and times are as follows: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quality Inn (2001 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902). Please schedule an appointment to donate. E-mail: KimDurham1@comcast.net  or call 864-350-1386.