Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer season and sun-filled, carefree days ahead. The true meaning of the holiday is to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and defending our country’s freedoms.
We can honor these brave service men and women by making and keeping an appointment to donate blood through the American Red Cross.
“Your blood donation at this time of year works as both a tribute and a testament to our nation’s armed forces,” said Tracy Fox, spokesperson for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “By rolling up your sleeve, you’ll also help maintain a strong blood supply at a time of year when blood donations traditionally decline.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. While that need is constant, the number of people donating blood can fluctuate, particularly over the summer. Someone seriously injured in an automobile accident, for instance, may need up to 40 units of blood for their emergency care. It’s the blood already on the shelf that saves lives, so it’s very important that donors give blood throughout the year.
“We hope citizens recognize the ongoing need and will mark the Memorial Day holiday by donating blood,” said Fox. “Your donation will honor those who sacrificed for our country, as well as help ensure a stable blood supply for those in need.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in your area:
Kosciusko County
Tuesday, May 20, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Wawasee Community Bible Church, located at 2035 E. 1300 N. in Milford.
Thursday, May 22, from noon until 6 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, located at 801 S. Huntington in Syracuse.
Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Warsaw Chemical Company, located at 390 Argonne Rd. in Warsaw.
Thursday, May 22, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Eisenhower Elementary, located at 1900 S. County Farm Rd. in Warsaw.
Elkhart County
Friday, May 16, from noon until 6 p.m. at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, located at 63846 CR 35 in Goshen.
Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Army National Guard, located at 2313 S. Oakland Ave. in Elkhart.
Monday, May 19, from noon until 6 p.m. at Griner Mennonite Church, located at 12418 CR 20 in Middlebury.
Monday, May 19, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at One Main Financial, located at 2003 Lincolnway E. Suite F in Goshen.
Tuesday, May 20, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Sunnyside Park, located at 68546 S. Clinton in New Paris.
Wednesday, May 21, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, located at 58529 CR 23 in Goshen.
Wednesday, May 21, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Pinewood Elementary School, located at 3420 E. Bristol St. in Elkhart.
Friday, May 23, from noon until 4 p.m. at McDonald’s Restaurant, located at 1540 E. Market St. in Nappanee.
Tuesday, May 27 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Benton Mennonite Church, located at 15350 CR 44 in Goshen.
Thursday, May 29 from 2:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, located at 22045 CR 18 in Goshen.
Friday, May 30 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, located at 112 E. Lexington Ave. in Elkhart.
Goshen Donor Center
located at 1123 S. Indiana Ave. in Goshen:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: noon to 6 p.m.
Thursday: closed
Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. Joseph County
Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, located at 52173 Ash Rd. in Granger.
Saturday, May 24, from noon until 4 p.m. at Culver’s Mishawaka, located at 5220 N. Main St., in Mishawaka.
Wednesday, May 28, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Harvest Bible Chapel, located at 52277 Hickory Rd. in Granger.
Thursday, May 29, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the I.C.E. Athletic Center, located at 1526 Deer Run Dr. in Mishawaka.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.