Banks to host special blood drive
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on December 10, 2004 1:57 PM
Wayne County's banks are investing in life as they join together for a special Bloodmobile.
It will be held Tuesday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 600 N. George St. The goal is 50 units of blood.
"On that day, bank personnel from across the county will invest a small portion of their day to donate blood and ensure that patients in need have a chance at life," said Don Best, blood services director. "Wayne County's banks are practicing the spirit of the season by reminding their employees that it is better to give. And the present on the top of this year's list comes straight from the heart -- blood, the gift of life."
Best said the idea of a bank Bloodmobile came about as a way to try to increase the blood supply. "We've never had this kind of Bloodmobile here before," he said. "We hope we can make it an annual event."
Glenn Chitty, senior vice president with New Century Bank and Red Cross board member, said he feels like a bank Bloodmobile is a good idea -- "especially this time of year when there is a shortage of blood due to the holidays."
"All of us want to be good community citizens," he added, "and donating blood is a good way to do that."
He said all the banks in Wayne County have been contacted about the blood drive and there will be a little friendly competition among them. Both bank employees and customers may give blood at the special Bloodmobile.
Walter Krentz, regional president of KS Bank and Red Cross board member, said the point of having a bank Bloodmobile is to raise awareness that the blood supply gets extremely low this time of year.
"And it's a good chance for people with financial institutions to get out and get the blood supplies back up to normal level," he said.
The bank branch with the highest percentage of participation will receive a trophy from the Wayne County chapter. "This is truly a competition where everyone wins," Waller said.
For more information, call the chapter at 735-7201 or log onto www.waynecountync.redcross.org.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. A photo ID is required when donating blood.