When becoming an American Red Cross volunteer, people join a caring group that truly makes a difference in the lives of fellow Americans.

The Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region is in need of volunteers who will help in that life-saving mission.

Each year the American Red Cross collects more than 6 million units of blood from roughly 3.5 million volunteer donors? By volunteering time with a local Red Cross, people will help save lives by contributing to the community’s blood supply.

The Red Cross provides the fabric that enables ordinary individuals to perform extraordinary services. Volunteers constitute 96 percent of the total workforce to carry out humanitarian work.

The Red Cross volunteer opportunities are available whether people:

n Need community service hours for school.

n Are retired and looking for ways to help your community.

n Currently unemployed and looking to give back and build your resume.

Call 1-800- RED CROSS to join the Red Cross team. People can also donate blood at the following locations in the next few weeks:

n April 1, between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 415 Audubon Drive in Paducah.