ROCKINGHAM – Tis the season for giving, but that doesn’t just mean only giving presents, money, or food. There are other things people can give that could be one of the greatest gifts given this year.
Simply put, blood is a thoughtful, and much needed, gift to give.
Faith Baxley, who is a student at the North Carolina School of Math and Science in Durham, N.C., and Richmond County native, is hosting her annual blood drive on December 21 at the Rockingham Masonic Lodge 495 from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
“I’m passionate about giving back to the community,” Baxley said when asked why she is hosting the event. “Blood is crucial for proper healthcare and the demand for blood is significantly high.”
She continued by explaining that, “according to the American Red Cross, every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood. Therefore, we need as many blood donations as possible.”
The American Red Cross suggests that everyone should have his or her own reason to donate blood. It may be that a friend asked, a family member or friend might need blood someday, or because of the belief that it is the right thing to do. Whatever the reason, there is a high demand for blood, so any donation is important.
This is not Baxley’s first blood drive. She hosted a similar event last year, and successfully had 28 units of blood at the end of the event.
“I want to do anything I possibly can to increase the blood supply,” stated Baxley. “And ultimately, (the goal) is to help patients all across the country have access to the blood they need. Blood drives and donations can save lives.”
For every donator, there will be a free long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt. Santa will also be there for pictures in front of a seasonal background. Baxley encourages local citizens to come out to give the gift of life by donating blood this Christmas season.