03/17/11 If the last decade is any indication, people worldwide rely on humanitarian aid during times of great need. And that’s where the American Red Cross comes in.
For 130 years, the American Red Cross has helped individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. And each spring, the U.S. President acknowledges the American Red Cross and encourages volunteerism by issuing a proclamation that declares March as Red Cross Month.
In 1881, 60-year-old Clara Barton broadened the scope of the Red Cross from an organization that provided relief to wounded military members to one that provided relief to disaster victims, too. And for a half-century or more, the Red Cross has operated a national blood distribution system which enables the organization to quickly send blood anywhere it’s needed after meeting local needs first.
The next American Red Cross Blood Drive is Tuesday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Culver Military Academy in the Fleet Gymnasium, located at 1300 Academy Road in Culver. Come donate and receive a t-shirt.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
