Looking for a way to make a difference in someone’s life? Donate blood at the Church of Christ in Lake Orion on March 7.
Outreach Coordinator John Swantek said the church was looking for a way to help the community and knew there was a need from the American Red Cross for blood.
‘We wanted to do something for the community…it’s not necessarily for one specific person,? he said. ‘We thought to provide a community service we’d open up our building. We want to do it a couple more times this year.?
Those eligible to donate blood can visit the church between 1-7 p.m. and do not need an appointment. Swantek said Red Cross representatives will be screening people there to see if they can donate blood that day.
Swantek said people should be aware that 1-2 p.m. could be a busy time at the blood drive.
‘People will get out of the (church) services and donate blood,? he said.
The Red Cross has set a goal for the drive of 35 people, but Swantek hopes to see at least 50.
‘We’ve never done a blood drive before,? he said. ‘We’d like to see a minimum of 50 people.?
According to the Red Cross, people eligible to donate blood must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not donated blood in the past 56 days.
According to the Red Cross website, ‘healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, ‘healthy? also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.?
Swantek said the church has had other health-related events and seminars, such as CPR classes and nutrition classes.
Sharon Heskitt, a registered nurse who organized the blood drive with Swantek and Church of Christ member Renee McLaughlin, said the community can expect more health-related events from the church in the near future.
‘We’re going to do stuff with all factors of health, and something about mind, body and spirit,? she said.
Church of Christ is located at 1080 Hemingway Road, on the corner of Clarkston Road. For more information about the blood drive, call the church at 693-7242.
For more information about blood donation, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-448-3543, or visit them on the Internet at www.redcross.org.
To schedule a blood donation visit www.givelife.org.