Annual bank blood challenge Monday
By Staff Reports
Published in News on December 11, 2011 1:50 AM
Local financial institutions are combining their efforts this holiday season to give the gift of life through the eighth annual Bank Challenge blood drive Dec. 12.
It will be held at the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross building at 600 N. George St. from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
"You never know when you're going to need blood," said Chuck Waller, local Red Cross director. "No one goes to bed at night thinking there will be a disaster tomorrow. And no one goes to bed thinking a neighbor's house will catch on fire or that a co-worker's child will become sick and need blood."
But the Red Cross does, he said.
"That's where the Bank Challenge comes in -- to help the Red Cross be prepared for whatever kind of tragedy strikes," Waller said.
Financial institutions throughout the county are helping by sending employees to the blood drive Dec. 12, and also asking their customers to participate, too.
"It's a friendly competition," Waller said. "Whoever recruits the most donors will have bragging rights and a trophy to display."
KS Bank has won the competition the most times, and NC Community Federal Credit Union currently holds the trophy.
The goal for this year's Bank Challenge is 30 units, and 42 donors will be needed to reach that goal, according to Kimberly Berrier, senior donor recruiter for the Red Cross.
Waller noted that it takes about an hour to donate blood.
Donors must be at least 17 (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. They will need to take their blood donor card or other form of identification.
Donors will receive a coupon for Adam's Auto Wash and Chick-Fil-A.
"You can unwrap a lifetime of memories for hospital patients in your community and across the country," Waller said of the Bank Challenge. "The need for blood is constant and doesn't pause for the holidays."
To make an appointment for the Bank Challenge blood drive, log onto www.redcross blood.org and click on make a donation appointment.
For more information, call the Red Cross at 735-7201.