MY SWEET GRANDDAUGHTER NEEDS BLOOD: Beckett Tapscott was born in China with Thalassemia, a genetic condition that requires her to have regular blood transfusions. Without those transfusions, she will die. She was adopted nearly three years ago.

ABC-8 in Richmond has a great segment on Beckett (yes, says the proud father, that’s my son, Marcus, daughter-in-law Morgan, first grandson Tyler, second grandson Brooks, and Chocolate Lab granddog Gundy in supporting roles).

But six-year-old Beckett is just one of millions of Americans who will need blood in coming days. And the American Red Cross currently faces a disastrous nationwide shortage, thanks in great part because of the coronavirus quarantining. But you can still give blood without fear of exposure, no matter where you live. If you aren’t sure where to go to donate, you can find it here on the Red Cross web site. This literally is a life-and-death cause for all of us.