Goldsboro Jaycees sponsor first blood drive
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on June 29, 2005 1:45 PM
Summer is here and vacation is on everyone's mind. Donating blood has been temporarily put on the back burner.
But because more people are traveling during the summer, increasing the risk of accidents, that's the time that blood is needed the most, said Chuck Waller, director of the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
To help alleviate the problem of low blood supplies during the summer, the Goldsboro Jaycees is sponsoring its first Bloodmobile July 19. It will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Red Cross chapter house, 600 N. George St.
Jaycees member Allison Taylor is coordinating the blood drive. "We're supposed to do a project every season, and it's supposed to be something that we feel real strongly about," she said. "I decided to do a blood drive."
Jaycees will man the canteen, handing out snacks and drinks to donors after they have given blood. They will also greet donors as they arrive.
The group's members will also give blood that day.
Mrs. Taylor said she decided to have the blood drive in July because that's when supplies dwindle. She hopes the blood drive becomes a yearly project for the group.
Mrs. Taylor has about 38 people signed up as donors so far. "The goal started out being 25 units, but I called the Red Cross after getting 35 donors, and the goal was bumped up to 50 units," she said.
Anyone wanting to sign up for the blood drive may call Mrs. Taylor at 734-6848, or they may just show up that day.
"Every time someone gives a pint of blood, it saves three lives," she said. "Anybody can give blood; there's no skill involved. We all have blood and we may all need blood some day. It's easy and it doesn't cost anything. It's one of the best things you can do."
Blood donors will receive a special goody bag from the Jaycees. They will also receive a free Red Cross T-Shirt.
In addition to getting blood donors, Mrs. Taylor hopes to make more people aware of the need for blood.
"We're very grateful that the Jaycees stepped up to the plate to assist us with this drive," Waller said. "They have worked hard to get donors to come in and that's a challenge during the summer because most people are vacationing and the last thing on their mind is donating blood."
Donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. They can give blood every 56 days.