FEBRUARY 2021 INITIATIVE

RED CROSS BLOOD DONATION

On February 18, 2021, the Summer Lakes Beverage crew will be high-tailing it down to the Union Depot in Downtown St Paul to give as much blood as we can to the Red Cross without passing out!

A BRIEF HISTORY…

The Red Cross was founded on May 21, 1881.  Their initial mission was to provide service to the American Armed Forces and disaster relief to American citizens across the country.  In 1940 they developed the first nationwide civilian blood program which supplies over 40% of the blood products in our country.

WHY IS DONATING IMPORTANT?

Every 2 seconds someone has a need for blood, and every month the Red Cross fills that need for 731,638 people.  In addition, they respond to roughly 5,075 disasters on a monthly basis.  All of that is accomplished by a workforce that is made up of 90% volunteers.

SOME of the groups in need that directly benefit from blood drives are:  Cancer patients, Trauma patients, Sickle Cell patients, and people suffering severe burns.

HOW CAN YOU HELP OUT?

Short answer – DONATE!  The Red Cross hosts 16,426 blood drives a month.  Just go to: www.redcross.org and find a location and time that works best for you.  Want to help in other ways?  Remember, the Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers to meet their goals – go online to their website and see how else you can help.