MERRILLVILLE | Blood donors are Everyday Heroes who help save lives. During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes these lifesavers, thanks them for their generosity and encourages others to join their ranks.
“Red Cross Month is an ideal time for people to show support for our mission,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Anyone can become an Everyday Hero by giving blood or platelets, becoming a volunteer, making a financial donation or taking a class.”
March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Barack Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The organization has been helping people for more than 130 years.
In addition to collecting and distributing about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in the U.S., providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected.
The organization also offers 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills every year.
Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in Lake County:
- 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at St. Matthias Church Hall, 101 Burrell Drive, Crown Point. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin and a coupon for a free taco courtesy of Taco Bell. Go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “stmattcrp” to schedule a blood donation appointment.
- 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Culver’s, 980 W. U.S. 30, Schererville. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin and a coupon good for one pint of Culver’s Frozen Custard. Call (219) 322-2266 or go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “culsch” to schedule an appointment.
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Taco Bell, 8496 U.S. 41, St. John. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin and a coupon for a free taco courtesy of Taco Bell.
- 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 100 at Henry S. Evans Elementary School, 2915 E. 35th Ave., Lake Station. Come to this Pint Size Heroes/PTA-sponsored blood drive and receive a Red Cross pin.
The Merrillville Donor Center, 791 E. 83rd Ave., is open from 12:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. every Monday and from 8 a.m. until noon. the first and third Saturday of each month.
Please Wait…