March is Red Cross Month, a time to remember the support received across the country throughout the year. The Red Cross is responsible for collecting and distributing more than 40% of this nation’s blood supply. The organization also responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, ranging from individual home fires to large storms that affect thousands, by providing shelter, food and emotional support. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be making some stops in our local area this week to collect the Gift Of Life. Today (TUE) there are blood drives at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm and the Arlington Community Center from 1 to 7, and the Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson from Noon to 6. On Wednesday the Bloodmobile will be at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School from 12:30 to 5:30, and the Mankato Red Cross Headquarters on Homestead Drive is holding blood drives from 12:30 to 5:30 on Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Friday. For more information check out www.redcrossblood.org.