Good morning! Today is your chance to be a hero. And you don’t have to slay a dragon or find a cure for the common cold. If you are age 17 or older, in good health, and weigh 110 pounds or more, you could be a candidate to give the gift of life — a blood donation — and find the hero inside of you.

Today from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., the annual multi-parish blood drive will be at Assumption Catholic Church on Morgantown Road. In order to be as accommodating as possible, you can pre-register your preferred appointment time at: www.bloodhero.com. The sponsor code is: stmarynatchez.

You can also contact James Shaidnagle at 601-604-0221 for further information. This annual blood drive is jointly hosted by Assumption Catholic Church; Holy Family Catholic Church; Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Saint Mary Basilica under the auspices of United Blood Services.

Most of us have known first hand of situations where the need for blood or blood products was crucial to someone’s survival.

It is not unusual for hospitals to be faced with blood shortages because of heavy need. There are certain times of the year when the need for blood is greater than usual such as the various holiday seasons we celebrate that perhaps involve traveling and recreational activities.

Unfortunately, sometimes the travel and recreation result in accidents and the need for blood.

All parish members are encouraged to donate to the blood drive so that the drive goal of 130 units is met.

If the goal is met, the United Blood Services processing fee for blood and blood product use will be covered for all active parish members for one year from date of the drive. These fees are typically not covered by health insurance or other reimbursement plans.

Every donor will be registered for a Redneck Adventures package drawing and will also receive a free T-shirt, free cholesterol check and free hamburger.

So come on out and let this be the day that you find the hero inside of you! Do a great and good thing for others and for yourself.

Bennie Boone is a member of the local Catholic parish annual blood drive committee.