VFW to Host Blood Drive to Benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims
City Times Staff
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Donating blood won’t just generally save lives and register givers to win Packers tickets, but you can also help those affected from Hurricane Harvey in Houston.
On Sept. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. VFW Post 2534 (2711 Reddin Rd.) will host a blood drive, where all donators will be entered in a contest to win Packers tickets, otherwise known as the “Green & Gold Sweepstakes”. However, there is a more important reason to give blood, even over football.
The Blood Center of Wisconsin answered the call to send blood to Southeast Texas, to assist blood centers and hospitals who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Southeast Texas.” said VFW Sr. Vice Commander Tom Heiser.
Blood centers around the country were alerted over the weekend that the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey is having a devastating impact on the blood supply for the hospitals they serve and patients in need. Blood is being sent to Texas from independent blood centers – like Blood Center of Wisconsin – throughout the country.
Blood collection was completely suspended in Houston – donor centers were closed, and most blood drives canceled.
“Blood Center of Wisconsin is assisting and sent a shipment of blood products recently to Texas,” said Heiser. “We anticipate that more may be requested. All blood types are needed, but we are told that individuals with O blood are critically important.”
The people of Wisconsin, and now the people of Texas, need your generous support to ensure we can maintain an adequate supply for the patients we serve in Wisconsin, while enabling us to continue sharing life-saving gifts with Texas.
If you would like to help out please contact the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or register on-line bcw.edu/vfw2534.