LAURINBURG — Nine locally owned CITGO stations in Robeson and Scotland counties are supporting the local Red Cross chapter through fundraising efforts and two community blood drives.

From now through Monday, the CITGO stations are selling $1 paper blood droplets to raise money for the many community, disaster, military and health assistance programs provided by the local Red Cross chapter.

“I have been involved with the Red Cross in North Carolina for many years, giving blood and supporting local programs,” said Johnny Robertson, general manager with Red Springs-based CITGO marketer John’s Fuel Service. “Their commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy community helped detect a potentially life-threatening disease that I didn’t know I had. I will be forever thankful for this, and the wealth of programs they undertake every day to support local people in our area, particularly the military families.”

Robertson hopes to raise more than $10,000. People are invited to make a donation by purchasing a $1 paper Red Cross blood droplet when they visit one of the CITGO stations. With every $1 donation, the person will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. Collection jars are also on the counters for people to donate loose change or bills to the Red Cross.

For information on the American Red Cross and the programs available across Scotland and Robeson counties, visit www.scotlandcountyarc.org.