During Hurricane Sandy, the American Red Cross had to cancel more than 370 blood drives resulting in a shortfall of more than 12,500 units of blood and platelets. So this December, give the gift of life and help replace the critical need of blood in the NY/NJ area. The Carteret Street United Methodist Church-sponsored American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Fellowship Hall from noon until 6 p.m. To make an appointment, call 1-866-611-7137 or log onto www.givelife.org. For questions, call Merle Hoagland 522-2073 or e-mail merle13@embarqmail.com.