Want to warm someone’'s heart this Valentine’'s Day? A box of chocolates might do it. A bouquet of flowers might do it. How about a blood donation with the American Red Cross? Now, that’'s guaranteed to warm someone’'s heart. 

   You don'’t need Cupid’'s arrow to become a lifesaver this Valentine'’s Day. All you need is an hour of free time and the desire to help save lives. When you donate blood, you give from the heart. 

   One of the upcoming blood drives is in Kansas City, Kan.: On Sunday, Feb. 12, All Saints Parish, 229 S. 8th, Kansas City, Kan., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will hold a blood drive.

   Your donation could help keep someone’'s heart beating. Whether it'’s an accident victim, someone battling cancer, or a premature baby, you can make a lifesaving difference by giving blood. 

   What better way to celebrate Valentine’'s Day than to give blood to someone in need? So forget the chocolates and flowers. Have a heart, give blood. 

   The American Red Cross is reporting lower donations than expected since the start of 2012. O blood types are particularly low, but all blood types are needed. 

   Some other upcoming blood drives in the Kansas City area:

   2/7/2012, GE Money, 9510 W. 67th St., Merriam, Kan., 1 to 5 p.m. 

   2/8/2012, Chandler Baptist Church, 11401 Hwy 33, Liberty, Mo., 3 to 7 p.m. 

   2/8/2012, Hy-Vee Englewood, 207 NE Englewood Road, Kansas City, Mo., 3 to 7 p.m. 

   2/9/2012, Midland Loan Services, 10851 Mastin St., Overland Park, Kan., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

   2/10/2012, Waddell and Reed, 6301 Glenwood, Overland Park, Kan., 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

   2/13/2012, Accent, 8412 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, Mo., noon to 4 p.m.

   2/14/2012, Mid America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, Kan., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

   2/14/2012, Swinney Rec Center, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Mo., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

   2/15/2012, Continental Title Holding Comp., Inc, 4550 W. 109th St, Leawood, Kan., noon to 4 p.m.

   2/16/2012, Lees Summit North High School, 901 NE Douglas, Lees Summit, Mo., 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

   2/17/2012, Xeno Tech LLC, 16825 West 116th St., Lenexa, Kan., 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

   2/19/2012, Blue Springs Christian Church, 7920 South 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, Mo., 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

How to donate blood: 

   Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger.