American Red Cross Urges Local Citizens to Join ‘United We Serve’ Initiative

The American Red Cross has many ways volunteers can help their community and be a part of President Barack Obama’s nationwide effort – United We Serve.

“We are pleased to participate in United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO, for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Everyone has something to give.  By serving our communities, we hope more people will make an ongoing commitment to volunteering throughout the year.”

United We Serve ends on September 11 and asks people to become engaged in the country’s recovery. It has been led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities though volunteering and service.

“This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation,” said President Obama.  “Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington – and it’s going to take all of us, working together.”

The American Red Cross is working hard to make sure there is an ample blood supply on hand at all times – which means volunteer blood donors are always needed.  Volunteering to give blood is a perfect way to participate in President Obama’s call to action.

You still have time to join the “United We Serve” initiative and give blood in Porter County at one of the following blood drives:

  • Friday, Sept. 11, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows in Franciscan Hall, located at 356 W. 700 N. in Valparaiso.
  • Friday, Sept. 11, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Portage Avenue Baptist Church, located at 6605 Portage Ave. in Portage.

For more information about United We Serve, you can visit Serve.gov, a website that allows visitors to find local volunteer opportunities or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors.  To find out more about donating blood through the American Red Cross visit givelife.org.

How to Donate Blood

Individuals who are at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission in Indiana), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Red Cross donor card or positive ID required. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or log on IndianaOhioRedCross.org for more information.

About the American Red Cross

The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals.  In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.