Red Cross asking for donations in wake of Florence

The American Red Cross is asking for your help as it continues to aid those impacted by Hurricane Florence. Specifically, authorities are asking for donations of blood. Red Cross officials say the hurricane caused nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast to be cancelled, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

You can help locally at the following locations:

Columbus – Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Centra Credit Union, 300 Washington Street;

North Vernon – Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 240 Poplar Street;

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.