If the weather has been a hindrance to your daily (or weekly) routine, think about what it has meant to organizations dependent upon the help of others to fulfill their missions. For the American Red Cross, January can be a difficult month. Weather is a factor, yes, but so is the active cold and flu season, which may make it harder for some to keep blood donation appointments or be eligible to donate.

“The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of severe winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations,” the Red Cross said in a news release.

As part of its effort to combat the reduction in blood donations this time of year, January is National Blood Donor Month.

Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley said multiple drives have been canceled in the region over the last few days. But plenty of chances are upcoming.

Local opportunities to give blood include:

11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road, Wheeling;

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, Bridgeport High School, 55707 Industrial Drive, Bridgeport;

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Eoff St., Wheeling.

Red Cross officials note those with Type O negative blood and those giving platelets are especially needed right now.

Choose your blood drive, bundle up and head out to give the gift of life.