Special to the WJH The American Red Cross has requested the area’s citizens to roll up their sleeves one more time in 2024.
Because of the steep downturn in the number of blood donations during the past year and the subsequent crisis it has caused, the Red Cross is staging extra blood drives in the final week of the year.
In Waycross, that effort will be noon-5 p.m., Monday, January 30 at the Waycross Fairgrounds, 2401 Knight Avenue.
“The Red Cross has found Waycross to be reliable when the call for emergency blood goes out,” said Gary Griffin, one of the Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers. “After all, we’re traditionally the most productive monthly drive in the state.”
Griffin asks donors to note the special hours of this effort, which are different from those held previously during the year.
“This is shorter than our usual drive ... three hours shorter than our typical monthly drive,” he said. “The goal is only 25, which we should easily reach.
“With our normal eight-hour drives we get 100 donations or thereabouts, so I’m hopeful we’ll get 50 or more.”
The Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers randomly will be giving away big money cash door prizes.
There also are gift cards from Jerry J’s and Breezy’s Boutique. The Red Cross also is giving away long-sleeved T-shirts to all donors.
“If you missed last Monday’s drive, here’s your chance to donate one more time in 2024,” Griffin said.
