Mayor Don Wesely today issued a proclamation urging Lincoln citizens to support "Make a Difference Day" tomorrow, October 28, by making a commitment to donate blood. In Lancaster and Seward Counties, VISTA*AmeriCorps and the Community Blood Bank of Lincoln are teaming up to conduct a city-wide donor recruitment campaign.
"As our city grows, the need for blood donations increases," said Mayor Wesely. "There is a nationwide blood shortage, and Lincoln’s emergency supplies continue to be low. With this campaign, we are sending the message that we need citizens to make a difference by agreeing to donate blood on a regular basis."
VISTA*AmeriCorps volunteers will place "Make a Difference" tags on doors from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow. The tags include information about how to donate blood. The goal of the campaign is to register 4,500 new donors by the end of the year. The campaign actually began earlier this month, as volunteers began distributing the door tags within a 45-mile radius of Lincoln.
The Community Blood Bank at 2966 'O' Street supplies blood for hospitals in Lincoln and Seward. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A second location at Autumn Ridge, 27th and Superior streets, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. the same days. Beginning November 13, a third location at 2917 Pine Lake Road will be open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Individuals can donate blood every 56 days.
Make a Difference Day is a national volunteer project sponsored by USA WEEKEND Magazine. The blood donor recruitment campaign is one of several area efforts that have been registered through the national project, which makes organizers eligible for monetary awards and recognition in the magazine.
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