Red Cross urges people to donate blood

VW independent/submitted information

The American Red Cross encourages the community to make an appointment to give blood and help save lives in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Each year, the local and global impact of the Red Cross mission is celebrated on May 8, the birthday of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant.

Currently, donors of all blood types are needed to give and help save hospital patients’ lives. Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients across the country.

Those who come to give blood with the Red Cross in May can have access to purchase discounted Cedar Fair theme park tickets, including Cedar Point, Kings Island and others.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.733.2767.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include the following:

Allen County

Delphos

• Thursday, May 12: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Eagles Delphos, 1600 E. Fifth St.

Spencerville

• Thursday, May 19: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Spencerville High School, 2500 Wisher Drive
• Thursday, May 19: 2-6 p.m., Spencerville High School, 2500 Wisher Drive

Paulding County

Paulding

• Thursday, May 5: noon-5:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 114 W. Caroline

Van Wert County

Convoy

• Wednesday, April 25: 12:30-6:30 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6727 Ohio 49

Van Wert

• Monday, May 9, 1-5 p.m., Lee Kinstle Sales and Service, 650 W. Ervin Road
• Friday, May 13: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 551 Center St.