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The Southwest Times
June 30, 2008
http://www.southwesttimes.com/news.php?id=2157
Jena
Hardy
PULASKI
— Setting the standard for donating blood and supporting their community, Harry
and Jean Gates of Pulaski are American Red Cross Hometown Heroes.
As
lifelong supporters of the American Red Cross blood programs, both as donors
and volunteers, the Gateses set an example for all members of the community to
emulate.
To
recognize these hometown heroes, a special blood drive will be held in their honor
on Monday, June 30, from noon to 6 p.m. at Aldersgate
United Methodist
Church, located on Bob White Boulevard in Pulaski, according
to Isley Quesenberry, community blood drive coordinator for Pulaski County.
The
purpose of the Hometown Hero campaign is to demonstrate how ordinary community
citizens can become heroes by simply giving an hour of their time and a pint of
blood.
Only
five percent of the eligible population donates blood regularly, yet statistics
prove that by age 72, 95 percent of the population will have received at least
one blood product, according to the American Red Cross, noting that if every
eligible donor donated a minimum of four times a year, there would never be a
shortage.
“Everyone
who can donate should do so,” Quesenberry said. “It is the responsibility of
all of us who can donate to do so, to make sure the blood is there for those in
need or who cannot donate themselves. As community-minded citizens, it is part
of our civic responsibility.”
The
Hometown Hero campaign also emphasizes the opportunity for all citizens to be
involved in blood drives. According to Quesenberry, “there is plenty to do for
those that wish to be involved. Those who cannot donate can recruit and
volunteer for the blood drives. There is room for everyone to support their
community this way.”
As
an example, Quesenberry has been involved with the Red Cross blood program for
over 20 years, serving as the Pulaski
County blood drive
coordinator.
“Making
sure blood is available not only here but anywhere is a priority,” she said.
“We take for granted the availability of blood.”
Guy
Russell, who regularly supports the local blood collection efforts and is up to
his 26th gallon in donations, said, “If you are faithful and constant and
donate regularly, you can donate a lot to support our community.”
In
addition to honoring the Gateses, the purpose of Monday’s blood drive is to aid
in fulfilling current major additional blood needs. Due to the recent flooding
in the Midwest, the American Red Cross is
ramping up blood donations to support the needs of all the communities affected
by the disaster, particularly as many blood drives in that area have been
canceled and in some cases, collection sites have been destroyed, according to
the ARC. All blood types are urgently needed at this time.
Donors
must weigh 110 pounds and be in good health in general and be at least 17 years
of age. All donors must have an ID.
Quesenberry
said the community is encouraged to come and donate in honor of the Gateses and
in support of all donors, such as Russell, and to support our fellow Americans
in the Midwest in their time of need.
There will also be
door prizes offered throughout the day at Monday’s blood drive.
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