A Frugal Way to Give Back, Give Blood

During these trying economic times money is tight. Charitable contributions are unfortunately placed at the bottom of the priority list in the family budget. The money just isn’t there.

Gifts do not always have to be monetary. Give a gift literally from the heart. Blood donation is the ultimate donation without any out-of-pocket expense. It doesn’t cost a thing but has the potential to be priceless to the ones in need. A single donation can help up to three people.

The American Red Cross is hosting several blood drives in the Cumming area over the next few weeks:

July 22 – PCL Industrial Construction Co. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 29 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August 1 – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
August 3 – Castle Christian Church 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
August 5 – Cumming Service Center Family Life Center 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
August 10 – Forsyth County Safety Complex 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
August 15 – 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

An appointment is not necessary but can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for any of these upcoming blood drives.

There are a few requirements for giving blood. To be eligible you must be 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy. For a complete list of eligibility criteria including medications that may affect eligibility click here.

If you are not eligible to donate there are opportunities in the Southern Blood Services Region to make a difference as a volunteer. Click here for volunteer information. You can even register here to host your own blood drive.

According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood is constant but donation tends to lag in the summer months due to travel and seasonal activities. The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region issued a statement recently voicing a critical blood shortage and made an appeal for blood donors. O negative blood is compatible with all blood types and is in high demand.

It takes less than an hour to be a hero. Still not convinced, every donor gets free juice and cookies!