Memorial Blood Drive in Honor of Red Cross Volunteer
The American Red Cross of Union County will hold a blood drive in honor of Fred Clark, a volunteer who passed away on February 14, 2007 as a result of a house fire. The drive will take place on Friday July 6, 2007 from 12:30pm to 5:30pm at the Agriculture Center, located at 3230 Presson in Monroe, NC.
Fred epitomized the mission of the Red Cross by working tirelessly to help others in any way he could. His Red Cross career began when he came into the office trying to locate a motorized wheelchair for a young amputee. Fred saw him struggling with a manual wheelchair and a bag of groceries, and even though he did not know him, immediately began looking for ways to help. He did manage to obtain a motorized chair, and since then has helped to secure and deliver food through the “Save the Children” program, put thousands of miles on his personal vehicle picking up and delivering food to shelters and families, raised funds to purchase disaster trailers, and helped out in multiple other ways in his community. He never wanted recognition and would just give you that little grin when someone tried to thank him or brag about his deeds.
The American Red Cross hopes to continue his spirit of giving by holding a Fred Clark Memorial Blood Drive in his honor on July 6 at the Agriculture Center. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in general good health. American Red Cross t-shirts will be given to all donors, and there will be door prizes such as gift certificates for dinner, Best Buy, and Silver Lining.
Individuals can also participate in the double red cell donation. The process takes only 20 minutes longer than a whole blood donation, and collects twice the amount, allowing the donor to make twice the difference. Only red blood cells are collected in the process, instead of the customary red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, which is why the donor can donate two units. Males must be 5’1” tall and weigh 150 lbs. with an iron level of 40, and Females must be 5’5” tall and weigh 175 lbs. with an iron level of 40. Donors may only donate through this process every 112 days.
For more information on the American Red Cross or blood drives near you, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.
