WILMINGTON STRONG BLOOD DRIVE AT ST THOMAS CHURCH

St. Thomas of Villanova Church Hosts Wilmington Strong Blood Drive In Honor of Those Affected by the Boston Marathon Tragedy 

DEDHAM, Mass. (Sep. XX, 2013) – The American Red Cross and St. Thomas of Villanova Church Men's Group,and the Women Of Wilmington are hosting a Wilmington Strong blood drive Saturday, September 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the church located on 126 Middlesex Avenue in Wilmington. The event is in honor of those affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy.  
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  You never know when a friend, family member, or co-worker or even you will need blood.  Each unit of donated blood may help save up to three lives.  Donated blood is used to help accident victims, trauma patients, transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses. 
“The American Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area hospitals in response to the tragedy,” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications, American Red Cross Northeast Division. “Having a sufficient blood supply is part of preparedness.  It’s the blood on the shelves today that help save lives tomorrow.” 
All eligible donors are needed to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. To make an appointment, simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain additional height and weight requirements.