Finding Solutions: Blood bank seeks donations ahead of new year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s the time of year when people are traveling, and the one place you’re probably not headed to or thinking about is the blood bank.
Shepeard Community Blood Center says their donations are starting to dwindle and they are calling on you to help their supply stay up as we head into the new year.
It’s the time of year when blood donations start to decrease causing the shelves to look empty.
“We have been doing very well in December and that’s all thanks to our donors we really couldn’t have made it without you guys. However, the supply starts to dwindle especially when we are in the week of the holidays. So, it’s super important that people still make their holiday donations,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Hannah Barrs.
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Cancer patients in our area are being gifted Christmas ornaments with a message of hope from one local man.
That’s why Shepeard is calling on you to help them get their supply up as we head into January, which is National Blood Donor Month.
“We are in the end of our sweatshirt giveaway. It ends on December 31. Our centers are open New Year’s Eve and New Years Day. With all the festivities, you can still come and make your holiday donation. It’s a great way to start a new year,” said Barrs.
Bairon Samayoa is already in the giving spirit.
He says donating blood is something he’s been doing for the last six years.
“Helping people, this is one of the things I really love helping people, at least my blood will help someone else,” said Samayoa.
Toys for Tots’ local gift deliveries will continue into new year
One local group has been working around the clock to make sure every child has holiday gifts. And although Christmas is over, volunteers’ work isn’t.
And your donation isn’t going far, it’s staying in our area.
“We serve over 30 local hospitals across Georgia and South Carolina so that blood really does stay here and so with every donation you make your community stronger,” said Barrs.
She says if you’re a first-time donor, the process is simple.
“You’ll fill out a registration, we take basic information, and we’ll do a basic health screening to make sure you’re good that day and for a whole blood donation it takes about 10-15 minutes from the needle being stuck in and you’re good to go,” said Barrs.
If you would like to make a donation, visit https://shepeardblood.org/ to make an appointment.
Walk-ins are also welcome.
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