There is an urgent need for blood – specifically types O negative and B negative, American Red Cross officials said recently.

And there are plenty of opportunities for locals to do their part in giving the gift of life.

Blood drives are as follows:

• Fri., Jan. 25, at Cadence Bank in Opp, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.;

• Wed., Jan. 30, at Andalusia Regional Hospital, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and,

• Sat., Feb. 2, Alabama High School Rodeo Association at the Covington Center Arena, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.