As we enter the new year, the 18th District of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina is launching a new initiative to help increase blood donations in the community.
The 18th District will host a kick-off event for this initiative on Saturday, December 4, in the parking lot of the Old Navy located in the Cherrydale Point Shopping Center from 10 am until 3 pm.
The Blood Connection (TBC) – the local community blood center – is experiencing historically low blood donor turnout and is urging those in the community feeling healthy and well to come out and donate blood as soon as possible. One blood donation can save up to three lives.
“This effort by the Masons could not come at a better time. We really need people to donate blood however, we also need individuals, companies, churches or groups willing to host blood drives to come forward,” said Delisa English, President & CEO of TBC. “Donors can always come to our centers to donate however these blood drives give us the chance to bring blood donation opportunities into the community – making it easier for people to donate.”
The chairman of the committee organizing this initiative, Bob Bugos is urging other local masons, their friends, families, and the surrounding communities to make an impact on their community by donating blood at this kick-off event and future blood drives to be held during the coming year.
“This kick-off is the start of a much larger initiative to encourage each lodge within the 18th Masonic District to sign up to host a blood drive in the coming months,” said Bugos. “Our community and hospitals are in great need of these life-saving blood products. Now is the time for us to step up and help in whatever way we can.”
These blood drives will also help to raise money for a local charity. TBC will donate $10 for every donor to a local non-profit organization, and the Masons will be competing to see which lodge can inspire the most donations.
To schedule your appointment to donate for the December 4 blood drive, please visit thebloodconnection.org/donate, click on Sponsor Name Search and enter “Masonic Lodge Kick Off Event.”
Prepared by The Blood Connection.