Published: October 28, 2009 10:05 pm      

Blood and blankets make for a brighter holiday

From Staff Reports



As the holidays near, the American Red Cross is reaching out to the community to ask for two important resources — a pint of your blood and a new, wrapped blanket.

These two seemingly unrelated items bring hope to a person who really needs it.

During the holiday season, most are busy in the kitchen, trimming trees and out shopping for that perfect gift. Making that regular blood donation often falls to the bottom of the list.

“Blood donations are critical during the winter months because many of us travel to see family, leading to an increase in car accidents,” said Shelly Campbell, American Red Cross-Corsicana. “That’s why we’re asking you to give now. It will ensure that if you or your family needs blood, it will be on the shelf.”

Also, Campbell said that home fires are not uncommon during the winter months. Home fire responses double during the holidays. Many are caused by candles, holiday lights, kitchen accidents and home-heating sources which can land a family out on the curb with nothing in a matter of minutes.

“It’s cold outside when we show up to help a family. Our relief workers will be there with coats, mufflers and mittens on, but the displaced family will be in their pajamas with no shoes. The first thing we do is wrap them up in a nice warm blanket.”

The American Red Cross will be providing an opportunity for the community to show their support to those who need blood, and those who need comfort at the Corsicana community blood and blanket drive from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Navarro Shriners Building, 323 N. Commerce St.

New, wrapped blankets can also be dropped off at the Red Cross office between noon and 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at 701 W. Second Ave., Corsicana. Red Cross Club members will be on hand to collect the blankets. To make an appointment to donate blood, please call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org.

The Corsicana Branch of the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter has sheltered, fed and counseled victims of disaster; taught lifesaving skills and supported military members and their families across Navarro County since 1917. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information about how you can change a life in your community, visit www.redcrossdallas.org/corsicana or call (903) 874-4551.