There is an urgent call for blood and platelet donors across the country.

The American Red Cross states there is a blood shortage. Terry Philips, who helps organize the regular blood drive in Riverside, says they’re always thankful for return donors and looking for new people to stop by. He says how he feels after donating blood, “At times I’m going, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go give blood, I’ve got so many other things to do.’ But once you get there, and you start giving blood, and you’re talking to your friends and neighbors that are in there, it’s a very rewarding experience. And I actually feel healthier after I’ve donated blood. But I feel like, ok, I’ve done something positive, and you know some of the world events that happen you can kind of ignore and say, ‘I’m personally involved and this is a good thing to do.'” He adds that one donation of blood can go to help three lives. January 25th a blood drive is being held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Keota and January 29th a blood drive is being held at the Riverside Fire Department, for details visit the Community Calendar at KCIIRadio.com.