The Greater Hazleton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and the Penn State Hazleton THON Committee are teaming up with the American Red Cross to sponsor a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, in the Slusser/Bayzick Building at Penn State Hazleton.
Joyce Bradbury, executive director, Hazleton Chapter of the American Red Cross, said, “We are grateful that so many students, faculty, staff and alumni at Penn State realize the importance of collecting blood for hospital patients. The THON Committee and Alumni Chapter volunteers, with our American Red Cross volunteers, do a great job and we certainly appreciate all their hard work. We encourage the community to come to Penn State Hazleton and donate as well.”
Alumni chapter board member Maria Barna said, “Penn State alumni in the Hazleton area are proud to continually support the efforts of the American Red Cross. In addition to monetary support for food and refreshments, we, along with the members of the THON Committee, will assist the American Red Cross volunteers at the blood drive.”
Penn State Hazleton THON Committee members will assist the American Red Cross with recruiting donors on campus prior to the bloodmobile and serve as donor escorts and snack table staff during the event.
The American Red Cross Biomedical Department will contribute $1 to THON for every unit of blood collected. This is the fourth year the Penn State Hazleton THON Committee has assisted with a blood drive at the campus to support their cause.
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON for short, is the world’s largest student run philanthropy, raising money for the families of children with pediatric cancer at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey. Last year, THON raised more than $6.6 million.
According to Bradbury, "Blood is a perishable commodity - red cells last only 42 days and platelets only 5 days - therefore the need for blood is ongoing. Blood can be donated every 56 days, but only about five percent of those eligible give blood. We encourage donors to 'Do something amazing – save a life.'"
Blood donors must meet three requirements: be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Donating blood takes only about one hour. All donors must present identification prior to donating.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Hazleton Chapter of the American Red Cross at (570) 455-9517 or e-mail jbrad@ptd.net.