New Year’s Resolution Blood Drive at the Oakdale Mall

Did you know that one out of every three people will need blood at some point in their life? People with cancer, surgery patients, and accident victims rely on the blood supply being there when they need it. A lot of premature babies need blood as well.

And even though one out of every three people will need blood at some point in their life, less than 10% of people give blood. What would you do if it was a loved one that needed blood and there was no blood for them?

I've seen firsthand how blood transfusions help rejuvenate people that are going through chemo. Whenever somebody tells somebody that they have been diagnosed with cancer, the first response is usually, “if there's anything I can do let me know”. Well, one thing you could do is to make sure the blood supply is there if they need it.

I've given blood hundreds of times in my life. It is literally a quick prick in the arm and then you don't feel the needle at all. One hour of your time could save three lives, and it could even be someone you know.

Blood supplies are typically very low in the winter because of people going out of town for the holidays, or just being too busy to give. And sometimes weather plays a factor as well. There are times when it snows to the point where they must cancel blood drives. So every pint is needed.

You can give blood at the Oakdale Mall Friday December 28th and Saturday December 29th from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. , Sunday December 30th and Monday December 31st from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Tuesday January 1st and Wednesday January 2nd from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a $5 Dunkin Donuts e card, a T-shirt, and Red Cross raffle entries while supplies last. Not to mention the great feeling you get knowing you helped someone in need.

You can make an appointment by calling 1-800 –Red-Cross, or on their website redcrossblood.org. Walk ins are welcome, but they would prefer if you were to make a reservation.

Of all the gifts you have given this holiday season, this is the most important gift you can give. And for a person that needs blood, this is the most important gift they could get.