In celebration of Red Cross month, the Sallisaw United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive on from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The church is located at 2100 McGee Dr., next to the Lion's Club Walking Trail.

"Although hurricanes and tsunamis make the headlines, many people forget the day-to-day work of the Red Cross that takes place in communities like Sallisaw," David Clewell, pastor of Sallisaw First United Methodist Church, said. "This work is only possible because of 'hometown heroes' who give their time, talents and blood."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March 1943 to be Red Cross Month - a tradition that has been continued every year, by every president since.

Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 70,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide.

To schedule an appointment call 1-88-GIVE-LIFE. Walk-in donors are welcome, however those with appointments will be given priority. O negative donors are especially needed as soon as possible because supplies of O negative are down.

For more information contact the church office at 775-2538 or visit www.sallisawfumc.org.