Donors who give blood in November and December will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays.
"Throughout the past seven years, our donors, supporters and community partners have gone above and beyond to be a part of 'Puppies for Patients'," said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Together, we are bringing joy and comfort to children during their hospital stay this holiday season while saving local lives through each blood donation."
As the primary blood supplier to 21 hospitals in the region, CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors and local organizations to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. In fact, one local children's hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more than 200 platelet units each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local patients, many of them children.
Businesses, churches, organizations and schools interested in hosting a blood drive in November and December, can call Kim Jones 704-972-4727. In addition, area high school and college students can qualify for a "Holiday Heroes Scholarship" by hosting a blood drive between Nov. 18-25 or between Dec. 22, 2012-Jan. 6, 2013. CBCC will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who collects the most units.
Individuals interested in donating blood can do so at a community blood drive. There are also CBCC donor centers located at: 4447 South Boulevard inCharlotte; 363 Church Street North Suite 170 in Concord; 2524 East Franklin Blvd Suite E in Gastonia; 2217 Highway 70 SE in Hickory; and 600 Hospital Drive in Monroe. To sign up, visit https://www.ncdonor.com/ or call 704-972-4700.
About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is a non-profit community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to 21 regional hospitals, serving 16 North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. CBCC focuses exclusively on gathering red blood cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives – every drop of blood collected remains here to help people in the Carolinas. CBCC is a member ofAmerica's Blood Centers, North America's largest network of community-based, independent blood centers providing more than 50% of the nation's blood supply.
For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.
Follow the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.
