Disasters near and far have deepened the desire in many to help — to somehow do something amid all this suffering and struggle. In many of the hardest hit places, the American Red Cross is helping — and if we can’t be involved in those direct efforts, we can certainly do something to help that organization fulfill its mission.

Part of that mission is, of course, keeping hospital shelves stocked with blood and blood products. The need for that never ceases. At the moment, the organization is asking especially for those with type O to donate blood, though all types are needed.

Summer is a challenging time for organizations such as the Red Cross, which in this case depends upon people scheduling appointments or going to an event to give blood. Even if there were no holidays and vacations getting in the way, recent tragedies have stretched the organization’s resources thin and pulled potential donors’ attention to other needs.

Try to refocus on a need that YOU can fulfill, very soon.

Upcoming local blood drives include: noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Marietta St. in St. Clairsville; 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Eoff St., Wheeling; 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 21 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road, Wheeling; noon to 4:30 p.m. July 22 at Fairfield by Marriott, 660 Cabela Drive, Triadelphia; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23 at Oglebay Park, 1637 Waddington Drive, Wheeling.

As always, there are incentives such as sunglasses or movie rewards, but the real incentive is knowing THIS is something you can do to help; and your gift might just save a life.

“Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions,” the Red Cross said Monday.

You — yes, YOU — are needed. Make an appointment and roll up your sleeves.