Be Part of a Giving Nation: Donate Blood

RedCrossLogoNational Volunteer Week slated for April 15 through 21

Individuals and organizations can seize the moment and share in honoring America’s volunteers this spring.

National Volunteer Week runs April 15 through 21 and celebrates the millions of people who dedicate themselves to taking action that helps better their communities. The week also provides opportunities to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek out and engage in activities that can effect positive social change.

Everywhere you look, you’ll find a story about ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things through volunteer service, including blood donation,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “And that’s cause for celebration.”

National Volunteer Week was established by President Richard Nixon in 1974, and continues to grow in scope through the support of all subsequent U.S. presidents and other elected officials.

At the Red Cross, volunteers constitute 96 percent of the total work force needed to carry out the organization’s humanitarian mission. More than half a million people a year proudly call themselves American Red Cross volunteers.

Volunteers show all of us that you can make a difference in today’s world,” said Sharyn Whitman. “We invite you to join the millions of people who help save the day by donating blood or giving of your time and talents through the American Red Cross.”

UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:

  • Monday, April 2, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in the Social Hall, located 805 Elm St. in Valparaiso.
  • Wednesday, April 4, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso.
  • Thursday, April 5, from noon until 6 p.m. at New Life Wesleyan Church in the Meeting Room, located at 75 East 1100 North in Chesterton.
  • Friday, April 6, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus, located at 814 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Friday, April 6, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in the gymnasium, located at 638 N. Calumet Road in Chesterton.
  • Friday, April 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in the Hall, located at 113 Lincolnway Ave. in Valparaiso. This blood drive is held in honor of Phoenix Bridegroom.
  • Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Washington Evangelical Free Church in the gymnasium, located at 3805 LaPorte Ave. in Valparaiso.
  • Monday, April 9, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Crisman Elementary School in the gymnasium, located at 6161 Old Porter Road in Portage. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Tuesday, April 10, from 9:30 a.m. until noon at Purdue North Central, located at 600 Vale Park Road in Valparaiso.
  • Tuesday, April 10, from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Porter Starke Services, located at 701 Wall St. in Valparaiso.
  • Tuesday, April 10, from 2:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Kouts Elementary School in the Cafeteria, located at 302 College in Kouts. This is a Pint Size Heroes blood drive.
  • Tuesday, April 10, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Kouts High School in the Auditorium, located at 302 E. College Ave. in Kouts. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt.
  • Wednesday, April 11, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Real Life Community Church, located at 3123 Swanson Road in Portage.
  • Thursday, April 12, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hopewell Mennonite Church in the Meeting Hall, located on SR 49 in Kouts.
  • Saturday, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Union Fire & Rescue in the Training Room, located at 267 North 600 West in Valparaiso.

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 Indiana and Ohio), 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.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 60 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.