T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA American Red Cross collection specialist Tim Brown prepares Glena Wagner to donate blood during the Veterans Day blood drive at the Belmont Hills Country Club.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The American Red Cross and Belmont Hills Country Club hosted its Veterans Day Blood Drive at the club from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m on Tuesday.

The drive was created as a way to honor veterans while providing blood to the American Red Cross. Belmont Hills Country Club President Bryan Woodford said that the decision to have the drive on Veterans Day was intentional.

“It is a day that reminds us of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country, and we wanted to honor that by giving back in a way that directly helps others,” Woodford said.

Belmont County resident Glena Wagner said that she recently started donating blood after she saw firsthand how crucial the process is needed.

“I actually just started probably within the last six months,” she said. “My brother had been in a horrible motorcycle accident, and I didn’t realize the need until he needed it.”

Wagner added that since she saw her brother need a blood transfusion, she has donated blood regularly and as frequently as she is allowed to.

She said that the American Red Cross notifies the donors what hospital their blood goes to.

“I like watching the whole process, and it notifies you where it’s going, to what hospital and that’s just interesting to know,” Wagner said.

She added that she cannot stress the importance of donating blood and encourages all community residents who are able to, to donate.

Woodford said that Tuesday marks the second blood drive the club has held since May.

“While we’re just getting started with this initiative, it’s already become a meaningful tradition for us in Belmont Hills Country Club,” he said.

Woodford added that blood donation is a powerful act of service, and hosting the event allows the club’s members as well as the entire community to come together in a spirit of gratitude and generosity.

“It’s about more than just collecting units of blood. It’s about showing our veterans that their legacy of service continues to inspire us to serve others,” Woodford said.

Donors received a $10 e-card to the merchant of their choice.

If anyone was interested in donating blood but unable to attend Tuesday’s drive, they can search redcrossblood.org to find when the next closest blood drive will be.