Winter Blood Drive

The Church of the Good Shepherd 2009 winter blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, in Shepherd's Hall from 7:30 AM to    12:30 PM. This time of year often brings shortages for the Red Cross, which supplies blood for hospitals and needy recipients across the region. This year is no exception. The great news is that we have a convenient way for you to donate while at Sunday services. Since we began having biannual drives, our congregation has been responsible for collecting 225 much needed units of blood. With your help, and contributions from our neighbors from First Presbyterian Church, we'll be able to add 60 or more units to that total this month.

This event is much anticipated by parishioners and the Red Cross nursing staff as well. This September Jennifer and I went to the Cary donation center to give blood between drives. While there, one of the nurses recognized us and asked when we were doing our next drive. When I told her, she wrote a note on a pad of paper and said she was going to look it up on the staffing calendar and sign up to work our drive. I'm very happy that we have developed a reputation for smooth running events but even happier that our congregation is seen as supportive and welcoming to all. Thanks go to all who participate.

I'd also like to mention an important change in donation policy. This will be our first drive in which 16 year-olds will be able to donate. All of the normal weight and health requirements apply, but there is an added consent form to be signed by parents or guardians and an age verification requirement. I will be happy to answer any questions and provide forms to anyone interested. This is an important rite of passage for many young people, but most importantly it's an opportunity for a young person to live out the Christian message of selfless, humble giving to the neediest of our neighbors.

Once again, it is possible to make an appointment to give on-line. Just go to www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule, click on "search by sponsor code" and enter 12952 or contact me, Larry Seiger, at 919-805-5111. I'll also be available to make appointments at church on the Sundays before the drive. If for some reason I miss you, please come up to Shepherd's Hall on the 25th. We do everything we can to accommodate walk-in donors. If you are not able to donate, but would like to join us anyway, I can always use a volunteer or two at the canteen or as a greeter. We also have opportunities to provide snacks for the canteen if you'd like to help in that fashion. Please contact me if you have a question about volunteer opportunities. Again, thank you very much for your help and enthusiasm.