GATES FIRE DISTRICT SPONSORS MEGA BLOOD DRIVE JULY 17
MERCY FLIGHT CENTRAL HELICOPTER TO BE ON DISPLAY
To help the American Red Cross maintain its blood supply for the Greater Rochester area during the summer, when blood donations traditionally decline, the Gates Fire District is sponsoring the first annual community-wide Gates Mega Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 17, from 12 noon to 7 p.m., at Gates Fire Station No. 1, 2355 Chili Avenue.
“During the summer, the need for donated blood becomes more critical than ever,” said William A. Gillette, chairman of the Gates Fire District board of commissioners. “The fire district is more than ready to coordinate this “mega drive” for the Red Cross, and it is truly a community project involving dozens of civic groups, churches, and individuals, all working together in a positive way for an important and vital goal. We really need everyone’s help to ensure a stable blood supply.”
Among the organizations working to recruit donors for the blood drive are the local Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis clubs, along with the Gates-Chili Chamber of Commerce and area church groups.
“The entire Gates Fire District is mobilized for this event,” said Mr. Gillette, “including the Gates-Chili Fire Department, our auxiliary, Explorer Post No. 272, and the career firefighters. Our goal is help the Red Cross to collect a record number of blood donations.”
Mercy Flight Central will also participate by flying in its state-of-the-art helicopter, which will land in the fire station parking lot. Flight paramedics will be on hand to answer questions and receive donations to the air-ambulance service from those wishing to contribute.
As a thank-you for donating blood, all registered donors will receive a free, limited edition American Red Cross t-shirt and will be eligible to enter a drawing for a $100 ExxonMobil gas card.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Walk-in’s are also welcome.
