Here’s a sweet incentive for beginning your Thanksgiving with a charitable act: The American Red Cross will thank everybody who donates blood or platelets during its annual Thanksgiving Day blood drive with a free pie (while supplies last).
Medical patients who need blood transfusions never get a day off — in fact, somebody in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, according to the Red Cross — but long holiday weekends like Thanksgiving, when many people travel, interrupt the flow of donations.
“As the holiday season begins, we are asking blood and platelet donors to share their good health and be a hero to a hospital patient in need,” said Marcea Vandermeer, regional market manager for the Red Cross’ Oregon-Washington Region. “By taking an hour to give, donors will help give patients a chance to experience more holidays seasons with loved ones.”
This blood-donation event is set for 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Red Cross Vancouver-Clark County Donation Center, 5109 N.E. 82nd Ave., Vancouver (just north of Vancouver Mall).
