Special to the WJH Christmas, the jolly season for cheerful giving to those less fortunate, means it’s time to reach out to our fellow man.
Not everyone can afford a large donation to worthy charities. But each adult, regardless of station, situation or circumstance, has a precious gift he or she can give at Christmas: a pint of life-saving blood.
“It's the giving season and our December community blood drives have often been some of the most productive ever,” said Gary Griffin of the Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers. “One donation can save as many as three lives.”
This month’s drive will be from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday, Dececember 23, at the Waycross Exchange Club building, 2401 Knight Avenue.
The drive is in the memory of the late Paul Tang, among the most generous supporters of the local blood drive (and of dozens of other worthy community projects and non-profit efforts).
“Paul Tang used to attend our December drives and serve his Chinese food from a hot food bar,” Griffin said. “He was simply the best.”
Before his death, Tang was a local restaurateur whose generosity and hospitality made him everyone’s favorite person. The Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers teams with a local restaurant each December to sponsor the drive in Tang's tradition of giving.
This year, it is Southern Roost, the new community restaurant in front of the Piggly Wiggly, 3202 Highway 84, Blackshear.
“Our new sponsor has generously given a healthy contribution,” Griffin said. “They’ve enabled us to give $800 in cash door prizes for donors to win.”
Breezy’s Boutique and Jerry J’s will give additional door prizes.
Griffin said givers of the Gift of Life will have better than 3-to-1 odds of winning a door prize.
The Red Cross will have long-sleeved Tshirts for each donor on Monday.
Refreshments are provided to donors, thanks to the Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers and select community businesses.
“We thank Waycross Coca-Cola and Domino's Pizza for contributing refreshments,” said Griffin, “and the Red Cross and Blood Drive Volunteers provide snacks, fruit and pastries.”
The Red Cross is requesting all able blood donors — particularly those with O-type blood — make an effort to give as a nationwide blood shortage crisis continues.
