GIVING THE gift of life.

That opportunity surfaces again on Monday, Jan. 24 as WesBanco Arena in Wheeling holds the 25th Annual Ohio Valley Media Blood Drive.

The mega-event is under the auspices of the American Red Cross.

This year’s drive again will be held in honor of Powhatan Point’s own Aubrey Brooks, the 3-year-old afflicted with the very rare disease of congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Aubrey received a bone marrow transplant in January 2010 and received more than 300 transfusions of blood and blood products. Aubrey underwent a successful stem cell transplant to help cure her disease.

Although Aubrey still has medical issues, she is now finally able to play outside in the light.

The annual blood donor day and bone marrow drive at WesBanco will provide hundreds of others in-need individuals with hope of a normal and extended life. In the first 24 years of the event, more than 20,000 units of blood have been collected. That is a staggering amount which has obviously saved countless lives.

While that total is truly remarkable, it pales in comparison to the more than 38,000 donors needed daily to meet the blood demand in the U.S. That figure underlines the need for blood drives as well as for the public to support them.

For those stepping up and donating, many features will be provided, including specifically designed Media Day t-shirts, special canteen refreshments donated by local businesses, free parking at the Intermodal Transportation Center and free daycare services.

We challenge and encourage all those in the Ohio Valley medically able to donate blood, do so. The blood drive runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are unable to give blood, donate your time and expertise at the event itself. Volunteers are always needed.

Blood is a precious commodity, one that can prove a life-saver.

On Jan. 24, we all can make a big difference to a person in dire straits.