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Blood drives abound this holiday season

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By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross volunteer

In Northern Ohio, we’ve experienced weather-related school closings, road closures and traffic accidents – and it’s not even mid-December! 

As winter approaches, the chance of severe weather can compound an already challenging time for blood donors who are busy with holiday preparations and travel plans.  Seasonal illnesses can also keep donors from making or keeping an appointment to give. 

That’s why the American Red Cross schedules several highly visible blood drives throughout the region during the month of December – to give busy donors a variety of days, times and locations where they can roll up a sleeve and help bring hope and healing to patients in need. 

“People with cancer and so many other conditions could not be treated without the blood they need to have every day,” said Dr. Zaher Otrock of Cleveland Clinic.  It’s just one of the many quotes I’ve gathered while visiting blood drives and talking to donors over the past 10 years. 

“I was in a car crash in 2006 and needed 15 pints of blood. I’m giving back,” said Christopher Haddock. 

“This is my way to give of myself to help someone in need.” – Sylvia Stewart-Lumkin 

“I love that I get to save lives and find out my blood type.” – first-time donor Meredith Reinhard 

 “My mom taught me to give back.” - Bridget Miller 

“Christ gave His blood for everyone, the least I can do is help a few.” - Gary Pfeiffer 

 “It doesn’t take a lot of time and it’s really, really, rewarding.” – Mark Fleischer 

There’s still time to help save lives this year. During this season of giving, give something that means something and make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767.) 

OR… 

Come to one of the following holiday season blood drives: 

17th Annual Holiday Blood Drive – Cuyahoga Falls  
Tuesday, December 16 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
Sheraton Akron/Cuyahoga Falls  
1989 Front St.
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 

Annual Holiday Blood Drives – Mahoning Valley
Monday, December 22 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 
Packard Music Hall 
1703 Mahoning Ave.
Warren, Ohio 44483 
Tuesday, December 23 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Stambaugh Auditorium 
1000 Fifth Ave.
Youngstown, Ohio 44504 

In Memory of Harvey J. Steele Blood Drive – Toledo
Tuesday, December 23 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.  
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo/Perrysburg. 

Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care.

Blood Drives Abound this Holiday Season

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Give more life this holiday season by donating blood or platelets at one of the many blood drives scheduled throughout Northeast Ohio.  Donations typically drop during the holidays, with people occupied by other activities or travel.  But patients don’t get a holiday from the need for blood or platelets, so if you can, visit redcrossblood.org to find the blood drive most convenient for you, or call 1-800 RED CROSS.

Some of the blood drives scheduled include:

  • Tuesday, December 19 – Quicken Loans Arena, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.
  • Tuesday, December 19 – Hilton Garden Inn Twinsburg, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Thursday, December 21 – Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 7: 00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Friday, December 22 – Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Friday, December 22 – Packard Music Hall, Warren, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

A special blood drive took place in Ashtabula last week.  Red Cross Communications Volunteer Paul Wadowick captured the story:

Arturo Gomez, a sophomore at Lakeside High in the Ashtabula City School District, wanted to help his community in a positive way.  Arturo shared, “By surrounding myself in a blood drive environment, it would also help me towards my goal to be an RN.” The door opened towards achieving this project with parental support. Eager to do this drive, Arturo met with the area blood drive manager, Tara Dragon. She introduced him to the components needed for organizing a drive. Next, this fifteen year old applied himself to promoting. Flyers were posted in the school and community.  Social media was engaged.  One-on-one contacts were made with people he knows. Blood drive reality arrived on December 15, 2017.

Sophomore Hosts BD 2017 12 15

Arturo hosted during the entire scheduled time. The volunteer Blood Drive Ambassador highlighted ‘customer service’ ways for registration requirements and canteen courtesies. When the day was done, Arturo’s learning curve had grown and four first time donors had signed in.  Thank you Arturo for a job well done!