You could be someone’s hero! Sign up to give blood on Saturday May 2, anytime from 9 am to 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

 Did you know that someone needs blood every two seconds? This past year many in our own community at Third have been recipients of blood without which they would not have survived. Your donation provides blood that will help save three lives, with the American Red Cross is the predominant supplier of blood to Richmond area hospitals.  The Red Cross provides 90% of this urgent and ongoing need, and aims to collect about 400 donations per day. 

If you think you are not eligible to give, you may be surprised. To donate, you should feel healthy, bring a donor card or photo ID, be at least 17 years old (or 16 with signed parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Some additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years and younger.

The donation process takes about 45 minutes, and there are plenty of slots available on Saturday afternoon, especially. Red Cross staff will be in the Fellowship Hall to make sure the process is easy.

At our first blood drive in January, we exceeded our goal of donations, and this time we hope to pre-register at least 75 donors in advance so that we have adequate staffing on hand. To register to donate, or if you have questions, e-mail Elizabeth Conner or call her at 804-516-0186. 

If you'd like more information about the process or the vital role of this service in our region, go to www.redcrossblood.org.

Or, for another perspective on the importance of donating blood, watch the video below.