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If you’re the kind of person like Kenneth G. Porter of Courtland, then you don’t perform community service for recognition, you do so because it’s right and good. Giving not just of your money and time, but also your talents can go a long way to help other people for a multitude of reasons.

In his case, though, Porter has truly given of himself. While in the Army 58 years ago, he developed the habit of donating his blood. As noted on the front, he has given a total of over 80 gallons in that time.

Truly, the blood is the life.

You can also be a local hero by participating in upcoming blood drives. There are already two this week:

• On Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Downtown Franklin Association is sponsoring the collection, which will be in the common area of the Franklin Fire and Rescue building on Main Street.

• On Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., a second collection will take place in Franklin Baptist Church, and is sponsored by Bobby’s Tire and Auto Care.

• On March 17, Camp Community College in Franklin will host a drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.