This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Red Cross to the Rescue

The American Red Cross held a blood drive Sept. 3 with Newpark Mall to help fill the void in donations resulting from Hurricane Irene's devastation.

Hurricane Irene not only made an impression on the East Coast, but her aftermath is being felt nationwide. In the wake of the storm, the American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood, because the need for blood is always prevalent.

More than 72 blood drives on the East Coast were canceled because of Hurricane Irene, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 2,400 units of blood, according to Red Cross’ Edward Faso.

Faso was at Newpark Mall on Saturday to represent the Red Cross, which partnered with the shopping mall for a blood drive to help relieve the shortage. 

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s a trickle-down effect, in a sense,” Faso said. “Regardless of events that happen, the need is still there.”

In addition to the hurricane causing cancellation of blood drives, would-be donors have also been hindered from scheduling appointments, and power outages impeded Red Cross operations along the East Coast, according an American Red Cross press release. 

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donors at Saturday’s drive were shown appreciation. They were not only given the Red Cross’ requisite juice and cookies (see gallery photo), they were also handed a Mimi’s Cafe gift card, a Hot Dog on a Stick voucher, and their choice of a 16 oz. or a pretzel at . 

For some donors, however, the treats were secondary compared to the fact that they are simply doing the right thing. 

Newark resident Mike Bucci donates blood so often, “at least two or threes times per year," he has a recognized donor card from the Red Cross. 

For Bucci, giving blood has always been a logical thing to do.

The goal for Saturday’s drive was about 30 units (or pints), Faso said. 

However, despite the tasty gifts donors were being promised, the Red Cross found it hard to get people into their reclining seats.

“People are afraid of the needle,” is how Faso explained the public’s apprehension about blood donation. 

Currently only three out of every 100 people in the United States donate blood, according to the Red Cross.

If you're brave enough to face the needle and donate blood, visit the American Red Cross Donor Center located in the Cedar Village Shopping Plaza, 39227 Cedar Blvd.

The center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

You can schedule an appointment online or phone 1-800-RED CROSS(1-800-733-2767) for more information. 

It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to donate a pint of blood.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Newark