The Community Blood Center (CBC), in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2687 of Tomahawk, Post 10203 of Hamburg and Post 1638 of Merrill, will host their 24th annual MASH-themed blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Kitchenette Park in Merrill. For each donation made, CBC will make a donation to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Plus, all presenting donors will receive a free MASH 2016 t-shirt, complimentary lunch and treats.
CBC is hosting the drive to provide local residents with a fun and convenient opportunity to donate blood amid busy summer schedules. “Historically, summer is a challenging time to collect blood. The absence of our high school drives combined with summer travel plans make blood collection difficult during this time of year,” said Kristine Belanger, Vice President of Donor Services at CBC. “A blood donation at MASH can make a major difference! When you make a life-saving donation at MASH you’ll help to ensure area hospitals have the blood products they need while also giving back to local veterans.”
All presenting donors will also be eligible to enter CBC’s “Dinner On Us” summer contest with the chance to win an in-home culinary experience. Chef Chuck Spanbauer of Your Guest Chef will prepare a meal for up to six people at the location of their choice.
This event is open to the public. Walk-ins are accepted, however, appointments are appreciated and preferred. To schedule a blood donation for MASH 2016, please call (800) 280-4102 or visit www.communityblood.org/donate-blood.
All donors must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the FDA, accrediting organizations (such as AABB) and individual donation centers. To donate in Wisconsin, individuals must be at least 16 years old, in general good health and must meet weight and hemoglobin level requirements on donation day. Donors are encouraged to eat a regular meal, drink plenty of water prior to donation, and present a photo ID upon donation.
Receive social updates from CBC for MASH 2016. Get information and updates in anticipation for the event and share with others from the Facebook event page. Interact with CBC live on event day via Facebook (www.facebook.com/cbloodcenter) and Twitter (@CommBloodCenter) using the hashtag #CBCMASH2016.
The Community Blood Center (CBC) was established in 1955 and continues today as an independent nonprofit providing a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals in Northeast Wisconsin, the Northwoods and upper Michigan. CBC has donor centers in Appleton, Oshkosh, Little Chute and Woodruff, plus hosts over 100 blood drives every month. For more information on how you can donate blood or host a blood drive, please visit www.communityblood.org or call 800-280-4102.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) aims to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts by ensuring they are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. Annually, the nearly 1.7 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president’s cabinet, the VFW is there. For more information, visit vfw.org.