Red Cross begins Memorial Day blood drive

The Columbus branch of the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at several locations over the Memorial Day weekend, in honor of US troops:

• The American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway

• Peachtree Mall

• The Kmart department store, 2500 Airport Thruway
  
  The Red Cross is offering blood donors tote-bags, t-shirts and and a chance to win a trip to Disney World.
  
  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, click here.

Governor tours wildfires, blood donations sought

Governor Sonny Perdue is in southeast Georgia today touring damage from the massive wildfire in Ware County near Waycross. Over the past two weeks the blaze has consumed 87,000 acres of forest and swampland. Another, smaller wildfire is burning in nearby Atkinson County. Today Governor Perdue is expected to declare Ware and Brantley Counties disaster areas so that people who lost their homes can apply for additional state and federal funds. In addition to forcing people out of their homes and schools and roads to close … the wildfires are affecting blood donations across south Georgia. Three blood drives have been canceled in the past two weeks because of the fires. The American Red Cross Blood Bank in Albany is asking eligible donors to give blood to help make up the deficit.