National Volunteer Week runs April 18 to 24 
America’s spirit of volunteerism will be in the spotlight this April through a national week of recognition.
National Volunteer Week runs April 18 to 24, and follows a tradition of honoring the millions of people who commit to helping others and their communities. The week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon as a way to foster and support a culture of service among Americans.
“Everywhere you look in America, you’ll see stories of people reaching out and lending a hand to others, as well as rolling up their sleeves as volunteer blood donors,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “The strength of our communities depends on the people who share their time, talents and blood to help make a difference.”
The American Red Cross Blood Services works with more than 50,000 volunteer blood drive sponsors each year to hold more than 200,000 blood drives. Through those drives, more than 6 million units of blood are collected from about 4 million volunteer donors. In the Indiana-Ohio Blood Service Region, more than 76,000 people volunteer their time to donate blood or platelets. In addition, some 600,000 volunteers nationwide deliver virtually all Red Cross services in areas such as disaster relief, health and safety training, and support to military members and their families.
“We simply could not help change lives without the commitment and dedication of volunteers,” said Whitman. “They’re the lifeline for the hospital patients and communities we serve.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Saturday, April 17, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the American Legion in the Community Room, located at 4 E. Monroe St. in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a free pancake breakfast.
- Monday, April 19, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in the Social Hall, located at 6540 Central Ave. in Portage.
- Tuesday, April 20, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duneland Health and Wellness in the Fitness Center, located at 810 Michael Drive in Chesterton.
- Thursday, April 22, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, located at 753 N. Calumet in Valparaiso.
- Thursday, April 22, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Valparaiso University in the Hilltop Gymnasium at the Hilltop Neighborhood Health Fair, located at 1009 Union St. in Valparaiso. Come to donate and receive a free travel mug. This blood drive is sponsored by the Physical Education Department.
- Friday, April 23, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Portage Avenue Baptist Church in the Sanctuary Room, located at 6605 Portage Ave. in Portage.
- Friday, April 23, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso. Please e-mail lbaker@valpoymca.org to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Tuesday, April 27, from 3 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Valparaiso University School of Law in Wesemann Hall room 131, located at 656 Greenwich St. in Valparaiso. Please go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “vulaw” to schedule your blood donation appointment.
- Wednesday, April 28, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Real Life Community Church in the Community Center Gymnasium, located at 3134 Swanson Road in Portage.
- Friday, April 30, 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, April 30, from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Washington Township High School, located at 381 East SR 2 in Valparaiso. Come to donate be entered into a drawing for an iPod Nano.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1 -800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
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.