As a community, one way everyone can try and make a difference is attending a blood drive. On August 1, 2018 the City of Grand Terrace and American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at City Hall. The event was assisted by the Grand Terrace Lion’s Club, an organization that empowers community involvement.
Leading toward the event their sign-ups increased day by day. On the day of the event, they also accepted walk-ins. It is important that blood be donated to give to people who really need it. Blood is highly valuable in hospitals and it needs to available at all times. Although some people get queasy around blood, it is considered a precious substance because it can help save someone’s life. Donating your blood means you can help save someone.
On August 3rd, it was announced that the Grand Terrace blood drive reached 115% of its goal. Thirty-eight pints of blood were donated altogether. The event was beyond successful and thanks to everyone’s participation; each donation can save up to three lives.
Many people cannot donate blood for specific reasons, but the people who are eligible should. It is a meaningful act that can affect a lot of people. To look toward inspiration, longtime Grand Terrace resident Pete Petersen, who is 87 years old, recently visited a blood bank for the 105th time. Over his lifetime he has donated over 13 gallons of blood. Pete’s neck is broken and after Pete left the blood bank he said felt like he was helping someone with more problems than his broken neck. It’s a charitable act and it is amazing that Pete still donates blood to this day.
City News Group has published articles about the shortage in blood lately and wants to continue to bring awareness to this cause. Which is why some of CNG's own staff members attended the blood drive to see if they were eligible to donate along with the hundreds of others participating. It was a day for the community to come together and help contribute to a noble and worthy cause. From your local newspaper to city staff members, you were able to see to the dedication in all who attended. A blood drive is not only a great way to help contribute to the community, but it brings a lot of people together for one common goal.