The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive to honor a former Ligonier volunteer firefighter.

Gene Stouffer, who was a firefighter for more than 30 years and who is currently an active member of the Ligonier YMCA, recently received six units of blood during a hospital stay, according to a release from the American Red Cross.

From that experience, he was able to see firsthand the need for blood.

Now, with the help of firefighters from the Ligonier Volunteer Fire Company #1, a blood drive will be held Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ligonier Valley YMCA.

“The American Red Cross critically needs donors of all blood types to donate blood or platelets and be the lifeline patients need this holiday season,” the release reads.

Other blood drives are being hosted across Westmoreland County throughout the month, including at Charter Oak Church in Unity Township on Nov. 11, Ascension Church in Jeannette on Nov. 14 and the First United Methodist Church of Irwin on Nov. 25.