A One-two Saving Pitch Targeting Blood Donors
Help someone live, get utility bill help, says Red Cross official with donor shortage.
Double red cell donor Bob Tabor, of Lehman Twp., was assisted by Red Cross technician Deb Verdekal during his donation last week.
For the times leader/CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK
If you donate blood this month, you might not only save someone’s life, you might also save some money on a month’s heating bill.
In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, anyone who donates blood this month will be entered into a drawing for a free month of heating.
The American Red Cross will pay the heating bill up to $500 for two winners who donate blood this month, including people who donated blood since Jan. 1.
“We are low on blood units,” said Emily Taylor, director of blood services for the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Cross. “This is a nice incentive to get our regular donors back, and hopefully get some new people donating.”
She said the Red Cross has to collect 450 units of blood every day, and it is well below that number. For the Red Cross to meet that goal, it needs 500 people to donate blood every day, said Taylor, referring to the fact that some units will be rejected.
“The need is every day,” she said. “It is a constant need and 500 people a day is tough, so that is where the incentives will hopefully help out.”
At the Penguin Blood Drive in Pittston Convention Hall on Wednesday, Taylor said players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were on hand signing autographs and raffling off hockey memorabilia such as hockey pucks.
But this still wasn’t enough.
The Red Cross’s goal was to collect 400 units, but it has only collected 200.
“Most of the donors (on Wednesday) were already donors,” Taylor said. “It is tough to get someone in for the first time.”
She said the main reason it’s difficult to get people to donate the first time is they’re afraid of needles.
The Red Cross has put on incentive programs in the past with success. Last year, it gave away a snow blower, and in years past it gave away a plasma television.
“What a year to pick a heating bill,” Taylor said jokingly. “This season has been unseasonably warm.”
If you do decide to be a donor, the minimum age is 17 and you must weigh 110 pounds and be in good health. You may donate blood every 56 days, and most blood drives offer incentives, such as T-shirts.
“We must do whatever we can to get people out to donate,” Taylor said. “Lives depend on it.”
Want to donate?
• The Red Cross will conduct a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Dorranceton United Methodist Church, 549 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. To reduce the time needed for donating, schedule an appointment by calling 823-7164, ext. 2150.
• For additional blood drives or donation centers, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or visit www.givelife.org.
