More blood donors are always needed
More blood donors are always needed
I just want to thank the Blood Bank of Hawaii for its regular visits to the west side of Hawaii Island and encourage our community to donate blood regularly. Donating a pint is easy, practically painless and usually takes less than an hour. You can do it up to six times a year. That means that six hours of your time per year can impact up to 18 people (three people per pint). It’s hard to find another volunteer event with such a small commitment and such a huge reward.
Also, our local businesses — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, McDonald’s, Safeway — and Retired Seniors Volunteer Program donate snacks and gift cards to blood donors.
When I first started donating here, there were blood drives up mauka at Kona Hongwanji Mission, Christ Church Episcopal in Kealakekua and Daifukuji Mission as well as at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kailua-Kona. I’m not sure why the number of donors decreased but please consider taking an hour out of your day every two months to “give the gift of life.”
Next blood drive is at Kona LDS are from 11:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Nov. 9 and 7 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Nov. 11 Call the Blood Bank of Hawaii toll free at 800-372-9966 to schedule an appointment and get more information.
Remember: One pint can help three people.
Mindy Dodge
Kealakekua