First Presbyterian Hosting Urgent Blood Drive Feb. 12 in Fayetteville

The American Red Cross needs you to help save a life. As we have talked in the recent past, the Red Cross continues to battle a shortage of donations of blood. In fact, contributions have declined by more than 40%. With that type of decrease, you can imagine how resources are strained to the max.

So with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, why not stick out your arm in honor of someone that you love and save a life?

Our friends at the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood drive on Monday, February 12, 2024. The church is located at 102 Ann Street in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You may donate blood anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

To schedule your donation, simply click here.

If you have never donated blood, please know:
1-Just one pint of your blood can save more than one life.
2-Here in the United States, someone needs blood or platelets every two seconds
3-Every day, some 29,000 units of blood cells are needed
4-If you're involved in a car accident, up to 100 units of blood may be needed

The American Red Cross will eagerly accept any blood type. But for those with Type O negative, your blood is universal. Because Type O blood can be given to anyone, it is often in short supply.

To learn just how valuable your blood donation is, click here.

Now, you might be asking who is eligible to donate blood? In most states, you must be 16 years of age or older to donate. Also, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, must be feeling well and must be in good health. You may donate blood every 56 days which works out to 6 times a year.

The American Red Cross and the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church say thank you very much for donating the gift of life on February 12, 2024.

Some Easter activities like egg hunts and egg-and-spoon races may make you feel a bit old. Many us really feel this in our knees and lower back! But there’s one thing everyone can participate in around Easter, which is Easter baskets. Those baskets full of treats aren’t just for the kids. Adults can easily get in on the fun by exchanging some of the best gifts.

Finding little or big trinkets for an adult Easter basket is not challenging at all. You just have to tap into the hobbies and interests of the person you’re gifting the basket to, whether it's beauty finds or fun tech gadgets.

Many people took to Reddit to share what they have gifted a friend or loved one in an Easter basket. One person said they put beef jerky chips, candy, a variety of mini sauce bottles, and mini liquor in their husband’s basket. Another person said, "Small potted plants, lotion, soap, gum, liquor, pens, socks, jerky, sunglasses, earbuds, nail clippers."

If you’re preparing a basket for someone who loves all things social media, there are plenty of DIY videos floating around platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There’s a page from a TikTok user, The Creative Chick, who shared a simple DIY last year. Her basket included wine, Easter-themed candy, chips, and a fun tumbler cup.

When it comes to filling an adult Easter basket, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank either. Some people opt for inexpensive items from Target’s Bullseye’s Playground, formally the Target Dollar Spot. It’s the section of Target located near the front of your local store right as you walk in. Of course, there are options like Five Below, the dollar store, or online via Amazon. You’re pretty much covered on shopping options whether you’re looking for big or small items for your basket.

Self-care never goes out of style. Take your adult Easter basket to the next level with aromatherapy candles or essential oils. You can even take a bath time approach with items like bath bombs, body wash, bath salt, and lotion. Skincare items can also work for your basket with items like face masks, serums, and oils. Something different to gift could be a journal or notebook for writing or drawing. Even nail polish or make-up can work in this case.

A nice bottle of wine, a couple of cans of beer, or a hard seltzer can work for an adult Easter basket. It also gives it more of that "adult" basket feel. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too for your sober friends. Another option would be to add specialty sodas like Jones to your basket. You can even do what I did for my wedding and customize your bottle, to give it more "oomph." If you're thinking, you want to gift something that's caffeinated opt for tea or coffee.

Of course, Easter baskets are always full of treats. You can go the traditional route with Cadbury Creme Eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies or specialty items like beef jerky or limited-edition chips. Just gather up some of the giftee's favorite foods or even sauces or spices to add to their basket. Things like bubblegum, mints, popcorn, or mixed nuts can work for your basket too.

Phone accessories are great for the TikTok King or Queen in your life. If your special person receiving the gift is into getting the perfect lighting in their photos or giving their followers a play-play on their day-to-day this is an option for your basket. Think, of selfie clips that attach to a phone, mini ring lights, and mini tripods for maximum stability. If you want something that quick and simple there are always pop sockets and phone cases. Just make sure you know what kind of phone the person have before purchasing.

Tumblers, cups, and coffee mugs are a safe bet for your adult Easter basket. It's something cute and simple you can add to your gift.  I'm not saying break the bank for a Stanley Tumbler. Unless you're cool with dropping $45 for the cup allegedly causing fights in stores.

Jewelry can really make a person's personality pop. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from to add to your basket, from rose gold earrings to glitzy rings. You can also get creative with your jewelry find and hunt down Easter-themed jewelry. For example, bunny earrings, or maybe even an egg necklace.

If you're creating a basket for a person who enjoys lazy days and overall comfort, items like socks, slippers, robes, throw blankets, and pajamas are perfect. These kinds of items are great for people who love an excuse to stay inside and cozy up. It will have them saying things like "Sorry, can't go out today, I have to test out my new slippers." And they're small enough to fit in your DIY basket.

If your giftee is a bookworm, then you can't go wrong with a book. If you can't make up your mind on what kind of book. Maybe go for a book card from their favorite bookstore instead. You can even go the extra mile with your gift and create a personalized message in the book after you buy it. Some bookstores like Barnes & Noble offer this kind of service. Another fun idea would be to gift an affirmation book.