Blood Drive Set For End Of December In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD — A blood drive is set for the end of December to help battle a nationwide shortage.

The drive will be held Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lakewood YMCA, 183 E. Fairmount Ave., in the lower gym.

Organizer Abigaile Becker said the drive is to both help the shortage and benefit the community.

“There’s a pressing need for blood donors, but little opportunities to help minimize the shortage,” Becker said. “The goal for this blood drive is 200 pints of blood so people in critical need don’t have to wait to get help. Though I’m hosting a blood drive for awareness and to help the community, the Red Cross offers a scholarship that comes with hosting a blood drive. It’s an incentive to give back to your community, mutually helping both parties out.

“It’s important to note that the Red Cross has so many opportunities to help with their organization that can give you community service hours for any group or club.”

Becker added that not a lot of people know about how desperate the blood shortage is and that the Red Cross is eager to share its resources to get more people involved.

“Every two seconds, someone needs blood or platelets in the United States,” Becker said. “With a single donation potentially saving more than one life, one person can save up to three lives with the amount of blood they donate. People should donate blood because they can save lives.”

For Becker, the blood drive has a personal note because of the amount of people that she knows who currently need blood transfusions consistently. She said working on the blood drive has inspired her to help others who need it.

For those looking to donate or volunteer, Becker can be reached at [email protected]. She said volunteers and donors are still needed and donors receive a Red Cross T-shirt with a yeti on it while supplies last.