Make your appointment now for Trail Life blood drive
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The need for blood donation is continuous throughout the year, and local scouts from the Trail Life organization are pitching in to help give the gift of life with a blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, August 24 at Central Baptist Church in Darlington.
The drive will take place at Central Baptist’s activity building from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., and everyone age 17 or older is encouraged to make an appointment so your donor experience is as fast – and painless – as possible.
Appointments are available every five minutes starting at three o’clock sharp, and there are enough slots to accommodate 60 donors. The American Red Cross has set a goal of 35 donors, but Trail Life program director Brad Odom is hoping the community will support this effort and exceed that goal.
“I think we can do more than 35,” says Odom. “This is a real dire need, and if you’ve got the time to drop by and donate blood, we sure would appreciate the help.”
Since the Red Cross is seeing a critical blood shortage at the moment, those who donate by August 31 are eligible to receive (by email) a $5 Amazon gift card as thanks for their donation. Donors with Type O, B negative, or A negative blood are especially needed and encouraged to give double red cells, if possible.
Trail Life scouts are working hard to promote this blood drive and make it successful, and the young men are helping out in other community activities as well – like helping the Darlington Fire Department distribute smoke alarms during a recent safety drive.
Odom says the public service aspect of Trail Life scouting is very rewarding, but the boys involved get to participate in other fun, outdoors activities as well, like shooting bows and arrows, kayaking, hiking, and learning to throw tomahawks. Trail Life is a faith-centered activity group, but membership is open to young men aged 11 to 18, regardless of church affiliation.
To schedule a blood drive appointment, or to learn more about Trail Life scouting, including opportunities to volunteer as a scout leader, contact Odom at 843-206-2600 or email TrailLife22.06@gmail.com.
