Bank blood challenge Dec. 14
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on November 28, 2008 1:46 PM
Lisa Teachey
Charlotte Williams, right, manager of real estate services at the North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union, and Marian Everhart, coordinator of the Bank Challenge Blood Drive, spar in preparation for the blood drive to be held Dec. 18 at the Red Cross Chapter house.
The challenge is on. Wayne County's bank employees will be rolling up their sleeves and donating blood Dec. 14.
The 5th Annual Bank Challenge blood drive will be held from 12:30 until 5 p.m. at the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross. This year's goal is 30 units.
"Last year we had a great time," said Marian Everhart, mortgage loan officer with KS Bank and coordinator of the 2008 Bank Challenge. "It's Christmas time and it's a great way to help people out.
"Now with money being so tight, this is a way that we can show our support without forking out money. The blood drive is a whole lot more important than money. One pint of blood can save up to three lives."
Ms. Everhart said that anyone can give blood in a bank's name -- employees, family and even customers. When they get to the blood drive, all they have to do is tell them which bank they are giving blood for. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be taken.
Eleven banks have signed up for the drive this year, according to Ms. Everhart.
"Last year we had more donors than we've had ever before," she said. "Hopefully we'll have more than that this year."
Ms. Everhart said giving blood during the Bank Challenge makes her feel "wonderful. My passion is the Red Cross blood drive.
"That little bit of time out of your day to know you can save that many lives is awesome."
Blood is especially needed during the holiday season, according to Ms. Everhart. "Blood supplies always decrease during the holidays," she said. "Only 5 percent of the eligible population contributes to this nation's blood supply, but 92 percent of the entire population will need blood at some point during their lifetime."