Ring in the New Year with an act of kindness: On Thursday, Jan. 4 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Mt. Olive VFW Hall, which is located at 21294 Rt. 138, Mount Olive, Ill. 62069, the Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive.

Donating blood with the American Red Cross can save up to three lives. Presenting donors will get a new Yeti long-sleeve shirt while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome or one can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering VFWHallMtOlive to schedule an appointment.

Although Christmas will have passed by this point, that doesn’t mean the season of gift givin...