By Staff
As the month of March winds down, hopefully people who never thought about donating the gift of life will consider donating blood the next time a neighborhood blood drive is happening in their community.
March is American Red Cross Month. The help the many volunteers delivered during the recent tragedies, such as the hurricanes in the south was very evident on television. Red Cross volunteers go across the world wherever they are needed.
The Red Cross was established in 1881 by Clara Barton. “They are there to pick you up when a disaster knocks you down,” said Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) in honor of this month's celebration.
These chapters are also very evident every 56 days. The supply of blood you might need in the case of an accident, might just be there also due to the effort of volunteers for the Red Cross. Local blood drives need to be organized, from gathering supplies to making sure there are enough cookies.
Sometimes too, the chapters have additional incentives to encourage more participation.
The Michigan International Speedway is teaming up with the American Red Cross to add an extra incentive for eligible blood donors to make a life-saving blood donation. The Race to Save Lives Campaign runs from March 27 through April 8. During that time, all presenting donors in Michigan will be entered into a drawing for one of six Pit Stop Boxes - a terrific array of car care products, gas cards and auto racing-themed merchandise. Three of the six Pit Stop Boxes will include tickets to NASCAR and IRL Indy Car series events taking place this summer.
The Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will host 18 public blood drives in its four-county service area that qualify for the Race to Save Lives drawing entries.
In Cass County they include:
Monday, March 27, 1-6:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 US 12, Edwardsburg.
Tuesday, March 28, 1-6:45 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 421 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.
Wednesday, March 29, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Southwestern Michigan College, 58900 Cherry Grove, Road, Dowagiac.
Another 24 public blood drives are set for April 9-30, including three scheduled for Saturdays throughout the month, to reach donors who are unable to attend weekday blood drives.
For questions on donor eligibility, contact the Kalamazoo Chapter at (269) 353-6180, or toll free at (800) 382-6382. Visit the web at www.greaterkzooredcross.org.
For a schedule of drives in Berrien County call (269) 927-2288.
The drive today, March 27, at Brandywine High School is only for students and faculty.