Mayor Robert Zimmerman and Mantua Township Administrative Project Coordinator Leah Clemenson are shown with a past donor.
Mantua and the American Red Cross will host another township-wide blood drive on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the municipal building.
The township is hoping to attract at least 42 donors and collect about 30 units of blood, according to township Administrative Project Coordinator Leah Clemenson.
“Mantua Township is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to host blood drives for the local and broader community,” she said. “These events allow us to support the urgent need for blood donations and positively impact the lives of those in need.”
On top of collecting donations, the township hopes to educate residents on the need for blood donations.
“However,” Clemenson emphasized, “the most important goal is to raise awareness among our residents about the need for blood donations. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two seconds. Mantua Township is committed to contributing to this vital cause and helping individuals across the United States.”
Clemenson is helping to organize the blood drive in honor of her 12-year-old brother Matthew, who died last year after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“Throughout Matthew’s fight, the generosity of blood donors provided crucial support,” noted Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “By continuing this effort, Leah is honoring his memory and the life-saving generosity of blood donors everywhere.”
While all blood types will be accepted at the drive, the Red Cross has a particular need for O negative, A negative and B negative blood types. Individuals can register to give blood during the five-hour drive by calling the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767 or visiting www.rcblood.org/donate and providing the code “mantuatownship.” Time slots for the event are on a first-come, first-served basis; space is limited.
For this drive, the Red Cross is rewarding donors who donate this month with $10 Amazon gift cards that will be sent by email. Donors will also be automatically registered for the chance to win one of three $5,000 Amazon gift cards.
The event is the second blood drive the township has hosted this year. July’s drive – according to Clemenson – had a good turnout.
“Our blood drives always see a great turnout,” she said. “In July, we reached 87% of our goal, and this time we’re aiming for 100%. We hope you’ll join us in meeting the needs of hospitals and patients. The Red Cross couldn’t meet patient demands without organizations like ours, and we are honored to contribute to their life-saving efforts.”
