THE GIFT OF LIFE — Carolyn Hall, a phlebotomy technician for the American Red Cross, prepares to collect blood from Curtis Wickham of Steubenville, a former firefighter, during the Ohio River Valley Chapter’s Media Day blood drive Wednesday at St. Florian Event Center. -- Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — Summer is a time when area residents’ thoughts turn to a variety of things, from yard work to vacations, but on Wednesday many took time to do something that could save the life of a person they may not know.

Organizers of a blood drive held by the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross said they were thankful to see many drop by the St. Florian Event Center to donate blood.

In an earlier interview, Sharon Kesselring, the chapter’s executive director, noted donations often are down in the summer, a time when emergencies ranging from auto accidents to natural disasters aren’t uncommon.

And with those emergencies often come injuries and the need for blood transfusions, she noted.

Kesselring noted American Red Cross officials estimate that every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and one donation of blood can help the save the lives of three people.

Between checking many donors in, Phyllis Riccadonna, regional account manager for the chapter, said the drive was delayed about a half-hour because some of the Wheeling personnel slated to staff the drive were delayed by flood-related issues and staff members from Morgantown were called up to replace them.

She expressed thanks for the patience of early donors who had to wait longer because of that.

Donors on hand at about 1 p.m. were cheerful about their experience that day.

Anthony Targoss of Toronto said he was impressed by how quickly Red Cross staff were able to record his information and collect his blood.

“The girls are phenomenal, and the snacks are pretty good, too,” he said while enjoying some juice and chips offered to all of the day’s donors.

Targoss said it was only the second time he has given blood, but he looks forward to doing it again.

“I thought, I’m retired and I should do it,” he said.

Shelly Polsinelli of Wintersville said she has given blood for about five years, often at drives held monthly at Crossroads Christian Church.

“I feel it’s such an important thing,” she said.

Polsinelli noted while new technology has allowed modern medicine to grow by leaps and bounds, there’s no replacement for human blood.

She said she usually sets up an appointment for her donation through an app available through the American Red Cross.

That also can be done through the American Red Cross’ website at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling (800) 733-2767.

Forty-seven area residents made an appointment to give blood at Wednesday’s drive, though walk-ins also were welcome.

The website offers information about future blood drives.

Riccadonna noted another one will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Sullivan Room at Trinity Medical Center West.

She noted all donors through June 30 will receive a $15 Amazon gift card through their e-mail and a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards.

Riccadonna added the Red Cross will again partner with the Wheeling Nailers for a blood drive to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 30 at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.

Donors at that drive will receive Nailers memorabilia.

For many donors, such incentives are nice but are not the reason they give blood.

George Mosholder of Steubenville said, “I’ve been giving for years. I get a good feeling giving blood because I’m helping someone.”