The Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross will sponsor the following blood drives:

* Wednesday, Feb. 7 — 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. For appointments, call 704-637-0760, extension 736.

* Sunday, Feb. 11– 1-5:30 p.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church, 620 Centenary Road, Mount Ulla. To make an appointment, call 704-663-7784.

* Sunday, Feb. 11 — 1-5:30 p.m., at Christiana Lutheran Church, 6179 N.C. 52, Salisbury. For an appointment, call 704-210-8723.

The Red Cross also serves the community by providing certification classes for CPR, AED, first aid, Infant/Child CPR, HIV/AIDS Education, babysitter training, and emergency preparedness. Certified nursing assistant classes are also offered. Registration is in progress for the 110.5 hour certified nursing assistant program, which leads to state certification. Classes are limited to ten participants. For more information, call Brunetta Franklin, at 704-633-3654.

Plans are being made for the 6th Annual Food Lion/American Red Cross Golf Classic to be played at the Salisbury Country Club on April 20. The 2007 Community Champion, Food Lion, is again leading the way for other community sponsors to join in raising funds to help those in our community who are in need. In 2006, chapter staff and volunteers respond to 59 house fires in Rowan County. Contributions and support help provide temporary shelter, meals, clothing and medicine for those families affected.

Red Cross staff and volunteers are available to speak to business or civic groups about services offered by the American Red Cross.

The Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross is a Rowan County United Way Member Agency.

For more information about the Red Cross, call 704-633-3654.