According to Mississippi Blood Services, blood donations traditionally decline during the busy holiday season, but the need for blood remains constant.
To address this problem, the Greenwood Rotary Club will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday at the Ramada Inn. The Mississippi Blood Services donor coach will be parked at the hotel.
All donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and present a valid ID.
Ten lucky donors will receive a free meal at the hotel's lunch buffet, and all participants will receive free T-shirts.
The Rotary Club also will give out door prizes from several local businesses including Viking Range Corp., Golden Age Nursing Home, Edward Jones, Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Cottonlandia Museum and Walgreens. All participants in the blood drive will be eligible for the prizes, and the winners will be announced at a random drawing, but they need not attend the drawing to claim their prizes.
Dr. Anita Batman, a Rotary Club member and co-chairman of the blood drive, said the blood drive is just one of the service projects the club conducts in the community. She said last year's blood drive was very successful, so club members are hoping for a good turnout this year as well.
“You do not have to be a Rotary member to come,” Batman said. “If anyone is able to give blood and has not given recently, please come by and donate.”
Mississippi Blood Services representatives will provide a “mini physical” before each donation to ensure that donation is safe for the donor as well as the recipient.
Donated blood can help save the lives of people who have suffered from burns or trauma injuries, as well as patients undergoing surgery or cancer treatments.
“Celebrate this holiday season by giving someone the gift of life,” said Todd Sing, vice president of donor systems at Mississippi Blood Services. “By taking a few minutes during this hectic time, blood donors give others a lifetime to celebrate.”
For more information about Mississippi Blood Services or the blood donation process, call (800) 817-7449 or visit www.msblood.com.
For more information about the Rotary Club blood drive, call Batman at 455-9507 or Frances Lavelle at 453-8563.
