One hour, one gift, three lives
During a time of year where many give thanks, Michigan Blood is showing its appreciation for blood donors with a gift of gratitude. An hour of one person’s time means not only the gift of life for three Michiganders, but a gift for the donor, as well.
Starting November 23, the non-profit will give blood donors a freshly baked pumpkin pie, courtesy of Family Fare.
After closing for Thanksgiving Day, blood centers will reopen Friday, November 25, to give thanks to donors with Target or Amazon gift cards. This continues through #GivingTuesday, November 29. On that day, Michigan Blood will also be collecting donations of new school supplies for schools in need in the community.
“We’re inviting blood donors to double their impact—helping people isn’t only limited to blood donation,” said Carleen Crawford, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Michigan Blood. “Donating school supplies for our area schools in need is just one small way that we can give back to our local communities. We can all contribute.”
Dates and times for the event vary by location. Here are hours for “Thanks for Giving” blood drives in the Grand Rapids Area:
Grand Rapids Area Donor Center
1036 Fuller Ave NE
Wednesday, 11/23: 8am – 7pm
Friday, 11/25: 6am – 4pm
Saturday, 11/26: 7am – 2pm
Sunday, 11/27: 7am – 2pm
Monday, 11/28: 8am – 7pm
Tuesday, 11/29: 8am – 7pm
More information can be found at MIBloodGift.org
Michigan Blood is the sole provider of blood and blood products for more than 60 hospitals in Michigan, including Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health St. Mary’s. Donations given outside of Michigan Blood do not have direct local impact. Donating blood with Michigan Blood helps save the lives of patients in Michigan hospitals. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 112 pounds may be eligible to donate, although females age 18 and under must weigh 120 pounds or more. Blood donors should bring photo ID. We are currently in urgent need of O-Negative blood donations. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663) or schedule online at https://donate.miblood.org.
