Today is National Blood Donation Day, a day dedicated to encouraging people to donate blood and to thank existing donors. The day is part of National Blood Donation Week, which was established in 2016 during the first week of September, and serves to address the critical need for blood donations, especially after the busy summer and holiday season when collections often decline. Kevin Snyder of Lisbon was one of many local residents who donated blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive held Wednesday at the First Free Methodist Church on St. Clair Avenue in Calcutta. Snyder is pictured with Lillian Rosado of the American Red Cross. For more information on how to donate blood or find a local blood drive visit redcrossblood.org. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)