Editor, Smithfield Times

The fourth Smithfield Community Blood Drive of the year was held on Thursday, July 23 and 89 donors signed in. The end result was 66 whole blood donors and 18 double red cell donors for a total of 84 units of blood to the local Mid-Atlantic Region. The Red Cross Team’s caring support and enthusiasm were well appreciated by our community.

A Special thank you to the Benn’s United Methodist Church for being the sponsor and Pam Jordan’s volunteers for supporting the Canteen. Thanks also to Smithfield Union Masonic Lodge #18 for setting up and taking down tables and chairs and distributing posters and Elizabeth Shepherd, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #49 for distributing announcements and to Trinity United Methodist for the use of their facilities.

Congratulations to new donors Roxanne Kozak and Taylar Crnovic, who became special heroes by giving their first Gift of Life and to 12-gallon pin recipient, Phillip Castner. A special congratulations to 16-year-old Marcus Blodgett for his first Double Red with his father next to him donating too. Double Red Cell donations count as two units and can be given every 112 days. Marcus and his Dad’s donation of this most valuable blood product will go to 12 patients. And, of course, a sincere thank you to each “Hero” from across the area (and you know who you are) who unselfishly took the time to roll up their sleeves and donate the Gift of Life and thanks also to all the patrons, businesses and organizations who supported the Smithfield Community Blood Drive.

The next Community Blood Drive at Trinity United Methodist Church is on Thursday, Sept. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. The Sponsor and supporting Canteen will be the Trinity United Methodist Church. Blood to save lives is needed every 2 seconds in the United States and our own Mid-Atlantic Region uses 700 units a day. Again, thank you to all our heroes who make our community proud by taking the time out of their day to donate the Gift of Life, for every unit of blood they give will save three lives.

Willie Rountree
Rescue