News release from the American Red Cross:
Red Cross blood drive planned in remembrance of Sept. 11th
Red Cross partnership with 9/11 Day encourages people to give blood to honor those lost on 9/11(August 31, 2015) — The American Red Cross is partnering with 9/11 Day to offer individuals a chance to help others and commemorate the events of Sept. 11 by giving blood or platelets or volunteering their time with the Red Cross.
9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11th. Since then, it has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009. Each year tens of millions of people observe the day by performing acts of service and good deeds.
“This annual observance increasingly resonates with people with each passing year, for the benefit of countless people and communities in need, and that’s surely gratifying,” said Jay S. Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day. “Those who participate are making a real difference. The Red Cross is an ideal partner to engage people to step forward, and we’re confident that blood donors, volunteers and organizations will answer this call for help while honoring the heroes of 9/11.”
Winuk lost his brother Glenn in the 9/11 attacks. Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney with Holland & Knight in downtown Manhattan, served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for almost 20 years. After helping evacuate the Holland & Knight law offices where he was a partner, he raced to the nearby World Trade Center’s south tower to help with rescue efforts. He died when that tower collapsed – a borrowed first-response medical kit was found by his side.
“Giving blood or platelets is a fitting way for people to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to honor the first responders who rose up in response to the attacks and those who serve and protect communities every day,” said ,of the Red Cross Region.
Blood donors of all types – especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative – and platelet donors are encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to patients of any blood type. It is often used to treat trauma patients and is always in demand by hospitals.
“The Red Cross is proud to partner with 9/11 Day and empower members of our communities to give blood and volunteer to commemorate this anniversary while making a profound contribution to community preparedness,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Giving the gift of life to someone else is a way to continue the healing process in the face of tragic circumstances Americans couldn’t imagine before that day.”
Those who would like to observe the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by donating blood or platelets are encouraged to make an appointment to give at one of the following locations:
Allen County
- 9/9/2015: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Science Building, 2101 E Coliseum Blvd. in Fort Wayne.
- 9/13/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2213 Brooklyn Ave. in Fort Wayne.
Huntington County
- 9/9/2015: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Huntington University, 2303 College Ave. in Huntington.
Noble County
- 9/8/2015: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Parkview Noble Hospital, 401 Sawyer Rd. in Kendallville.
- 9/11/2015: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 605 E. Main St. in Albion.
- 9/13/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Scott’s Shopping Center, 310 W. North St. in Kendallville.
Wells County
- 9/9/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Southern Wells High School, 9120 South 300 West in Poneto.
Whitley County
- 9/10/2015: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 North Main in Churubusco.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.About 9/11 Day
9/11 Day is the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the United States. Each year more than 40 million Americans and many others in 150 countries observe September 11 by performing good deeds that help others. The goal of 9/11 Day is to keep alive the spirit of unity and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, providing a positive, helpful way for people to annually remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, and honor those that rose up in service in response to the attacks. We encourage everyone to observe 9/11 this year by putting aside their differences, if any, joining together to help those most in need, and working more closely to make our world better and more peaceful.
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