Absence makes the heart grow fonder, except when you're talking about blood donors. Every day, hospital patients depend on donations from volunteer donors for the blood they may need for ongoing and emergency medical care. And with February being American Heart Month, it's a great time to put your heart into a worthwhile cause. Most healthy people who are at least 17 years of age (or 16 with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about 45 minutes. The donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes.

Visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation and enter sponsor code KP&R or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Your donation matters. Please give blood.