Goodwill Ashtabula to host Blood Drive

Connor Ball, Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio
·2 min read

Apr. 18—ASHTABULA — Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula is partnering with The Red Cross to host a blood drive on Friday.

The event will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Goodwill Industries at 600 Hulbert Drive.

"Given the current national blood shortage, this initiative aims to support their urgent need for blood," said Goodwill Community Engagement Specialist Billie Williams.

"There is no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it," said American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Jim McIntyre. "So volunteer donors, including those who roll up a sleeve and donate at Goodwill in Ashtabula on April 19, are essential for hospital patients who need transfusions."

Nearly 20,000 people receive assistance from The Red Cross every day, according to organization's website.

"Thank you for donating, because so few do donate," said sickle cell anemia patient Glinda Dames-Fincher, who regularly receives frequent blood transfusions.

"There's a lot of people that need blood. Myself personally, I have been transfused at least two units of red blood cells every four weeks. My doctor recently changed it to every three weeks for a wound in my ankle. The red blood cells help try and heal that wound."

All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards.

Goodwill will be combining the blood drive with a clothing drive that directly supports the Red Cross mission.

Donors attending will place their unwanted items or donations into bins.

"Use this opportunity to do that closet clean-out and support The American Red Cross," Williams said. "Together, we can easily fill 20 bins and make a meaningful impact."

Goodwill will donate $50 for each bin filled. A check will be given to The Red Cross at the end of the day to support their program.

Williams said that with spring cleaning underway to keep in mind donating items to a drive.

Upcoming Goodwill drives:

—Conneaut Arts Center on April 26, Geneva High School on April 27 and Ashtabula APL on May 18.