Editor, Smithfield Times

The last and most successful Smithfield Community Blood Drive of the year was held on Thursday, Nov. 12. The Blood Drive had 107 donors sign in. The end results were 89 whole blood units and 18 double red cell units for an outstanding total of 107 units to the local Mid-Atlantic Region; 23 units above the goal of 84 units. The Smithfield Community Blood Drive for the year collected 523 units. That is simply amazing, a true accomplish for our community’s donors. The bottom line is 1,569 lives in our region received “The Gift of Life” by the donors that come to our Community Blood Drive.

Special thank you to our Sponsor, Elaine and Jim Abicht and The Christmas Store for their generous contribution of collectable Pig Ornaments and to the canteen sponsor, the Johnny Barlow Sunday School Class of Smithfield Baptist Church.

Thanks to the Smithfield Union Masonic Lodge #18 for setting up and taking down tables and chairs, and to Trinity United Methodist church for the use of their facilities. Congratulations to the following first-time donors: Lauren Hoy, Patricia Boyd, Lydia Wilson and Rebeckah Wilson, and to 3-gallon Goal Pin Award winner Judy Sinclair, 3 gallon Goal Pin Award.

A sincere Thank You to all who unselfishly rolled up their sleeves to donate the Gift of Life and a Big Thank You to all the patrons, businesses and organizations that supported the Community Blood Drive.

Now we all get to start it over again in 2016 with the next Community Blood Drive, always at Trinity United Methodist Church and always on Thursday, Jan. 14, from noon to 6 p.m. The Sponsor and supporting Canteen will be the Smithfield Women’s Club.

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 given will save three lives.

Willie Rountree
Rescue