City and county agencies will be holding blood drives during the month of May. Donations will go to patients in local healthcare facilities, so everyone from all walks of life is encouraged to give.
The Whiteville Police Department will be partnering with the Red Cross to hold a drive on Friday, May 19. The event will be from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Vineland Station Depot. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also make an appointment by calling 1.800.733.2767. Vineland is located at 701 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The Boys and Girls Home of N.C. will also be working with the Red Cross on Thursday, May 25, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. to sponsor a drive. Donations will be made in the Morton Conference Center at 205 Tops Tobacco Road in Lake Waccamaw. Visit www.redcrossblood.org, and use sponsor code Waccamaw to schedule your appointment. Red Cross beach towels will be handed out to donors during the event.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will host their donation drive on Tuesday, May 23, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Blood Connection (TBC) will be set up at the new CCSO location at 817 Washington Street. All donors will receive $45 in rewards. The points can be redeemed for eGift cards on the Blood Connection donor portal. Visit https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/sponsor_code and use sponsor code 2865 to sign up.
The connection is working in support of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC). BERC is a group of blood centers across the country who have joined together and committed to collecting extra units of blood on a rotating ‘on call’ schedule. This creates an available supply for emergency needs.
Those who wish to give at any of the drives must have a photo I.D., be at least 16 years old, and weigh over 110 pounds. Sixteen-year-olds must have parental consent to donate blood. Before your appointment, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. Donations can only be made every 56 days.
