Donate a pint of blood at the Canton Public Library on Friday, August 26 any time between 11:00 AM and 4:45 PM, and you may win:

• Two tickets to Cedar Point
• Free gasoline for a year
• Free box of chocolates to everyone who donates (from Edible Arrangements)

Blood donations are the lowest seen by the American Red Cross in over a decade; the 43 hospitals in the tri-county area alone use 800 pints… per day! So, swear off caffeine and chocolate for the day, and eat high-iron foods like raisins, beef, broccoli, tomatoes and watermelon. Then come in and help save a life. Reservations are being accepted now: in person at the Reception Desk, by phone at 734-397-0999 ext. 1071, or by email to gladdenk@cantonpl.org.

The season of giving begins this month. Start it off with a badly-needed donation of blood to the American Red Cross. They'll be here in the library's Community Room on Wednesday, November 24, from 11:00AM until 4:45PM. You can make an appointment now with our receptionist.

Last year, you helped us collect over 17,000 diapers to benefit the Canton-based Detroit Area Diaper Bank. This year, we're going for a truck full. Fat Chef in a Little Coat owners Steve and David Hulett have donated a truck for the cause and our director, Eva Davis, will camp out while we fill it.

We're asking for your help to "Stuff the Truck" so bring diapers, any brand or size, baby through adult, to the library on November 17 and 18. Open packages, pull ups and swim diapers are all acceptable; if diapers are loose, please label with the size.

The Detroit Area Diaper Bank is a nonprofit charitable organization serving SE Michigan to meet the need for diapers at partner agencies working with people in crisis. Please help support those in need in our community with your donation.

Our next quarterly volunteer orientation will be this month. We are especially looking for volunteers who will be available and willing to put in a few concentrated hours each month to help keep the library the beautiful and welcoming space it is. We specifically need someone to help us dust the shelves and pick up the grounds. So, if you are in touch with your inner Martha Stewart, fill out a volunteer application form and turn it in to the Reception Desk before September 19.

It's the Firemen vs. the Police at the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive on Tuesday, August 18 from 11:00-5:00 at the Canton Township Administration Building. Donors select either service when they sign in, and the American Red Cross will donate $1 per donor to the U of M Burn Center. For an appointment, phone 734-394-5246, or drop in between 11:00AM and 4:45PM.