Red Cross Blood Drive to honor Tusky Valley

The Tusky Valley community is partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive Friday, December 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 9481 OH-212 in Bolivar. The event will honor the lives lost and those injured in last month’s tragic bus accident, as well as thank first responders and hospital personnel for their work to care for the community that day.

The Red Cross provided 30 extra units of blood to a local hospital the day of the accident. In an emergency situation, it’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives. The Red Cross depends on regular donations from the community to keep the blood supply strong and allow the organization to provide blood to hospitals as soon as it’s requested.

“We are still grieving the loss our community experienced last month and we’re grateful to so many who have offered their support,” said Melissa Weaver, blood drive sponsor. “Donating blood is one way we can all give back and show that we are TV Strong.”

Busy holiday schedules, seasonal illness and winter weather can often disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients during the winter, making blood donation especially important this time of year. If blood products aren’t fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients may be forced to wait for critical care. Giving blood in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones.

All who come to donate will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt. To make an appointment for the blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code FaithBaptist or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).