1) I always liked donating blood; it was a chance to help people, it required very little effort and I got cookies at the end. Each year, as the summer draws to a close, the American Red Cross experiences a blood shortage. So, they’re asking people to donate now; those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target giftcard. In the coming week, the organization is holding blood drives 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 101 Carrie Lane in Columbus; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at Columbus North High School, 1400 25th St. You can schedule an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767. To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.
2) I like walking; I also like art, so I’m going to get the Columbus Area Arts Council’s Art Walk on my datebook. It’s a free community event from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24. During the Art Walk, community organizations will showcase arts and culture at locations all over the downtown Columbus Arts and Entertainment District. Visit artsINcolumbus.org or facebook.com/artsincolumbus in the weeks to come for location details.
