Give blood to honor volunteer week

Van Wert independent/Red Cross information

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.”

Area Red Cross blood drives:

Thursday, April 12, from 12:30 until 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, 111 N. Shannon St. in Van Wert.

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate, call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) or visit www.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.