In a season filled with giving, there’s a multitude of ways you can give back to your community through your American Red Cross.
“The gift you give today will be there for the patient needing blood, the family needing shelter, or the child who needs a hug and a blanket,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Your gifts of time, blood or money can help save the day down the street, across the country and around the world.”
As a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. As part of that mission, the Red Cross also provides about half of the nation’s blood supply through voluntary blood donations.
Volunteers are always needed, Red Cross officials say, to work in areas related to disaster relief, health and safety, and providing emergency communications to military members and their families. Volunteers are also needed to coordinate and sponsor blood drives or simply roll up their sleeves and give blood or platelets. People can help, too, by sharing motivational stories about their experiences with the Red Cross—either through the organization’s web site, or by joining the conversation on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
“You’re needed in whatever ways you chose to give,” said Whitman. “Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from the people, families, and communities who benefit from your kindness.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES:
* Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ck Tech, located at 1701 Magda Drive in Montpelier.
* Friday, Dec. 20, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 114 W. Washington St. in Montpelier.
* Friday, Dec. 20, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Parkview Physician Group – MCHA, located at 442 W. High St. in Bryan.
* Thursday, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers in Bard Community Room, located at 433 High St. in Bryan. Come to donate and get a 2 ounce brick of Dunkin Donuts® coffee and a coupon for a FREE pound of Dunkin’ Donuts® coffee.
