The Canterbury Historical Society has a tradition of hosting a Red Cross blood drive every summer, a season when donations are typically low and needs are high.
This year, the Red Cross set our stretch goal at 40 units; 38 were collected. A few donors with scheduled appointments were no-shows, but as usual, walk-ins helped to save the day.
All told, society members donated 53 hours of their time. In summary:
- Nine volunteers worked in shifts at the drive; two were brand new volunteers and two were civic-minded teens who trained with us last year.
- One volunteer put up and took down promotional signs around town.
- Three baked home-made goodies.
- Two made monetary donations to purchase fresh fruit. We’re renowned for our snacks. Some repeat donors say they make a special point of coming to the drives we host just for the fabulous noshes!
Many thanks to Lynne and Les Pitman for coordinating the drive again this year, to all the blood donors, and to everyone who helped out in any way.
See http://www.redcrossblood.org/ to locate upcoming blood drives in our area and for loads of other information.