MANCHESTER, Conn. — The American Red Cross and the Manchester Road Race Committee are encouraging the community to donate blood at the 38th annual Ray Crothers Memorial Blood Drive.
The event will be held Nov. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Manchester High School, located at 134 Middle Turnpike East.
Each year, the holiday season sees an increased need for blood donations, as hospitals relying on them to help save lives during the busy time between Thanksgiving and Jan. 1. More than 1 million units of blood are typically needed nationwide during this period.
"Giving blood is one of the most impactful ways to support patients in need, especially during the holiday season,” said Jocelyn Hillard, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “Each year, the Manchester community comes together to make a lifesaving difference, and we’re hoping for another successful drive.”
Last year, the event set a record with 372 donations, and organizers are aiming for even greater success this year. Lance Morgan, a physician assistant and executive committee member of the Manchester Road Race, expressed hope that this year’s blood drive would continue to grow.
“Thanks to our amazing donors and volunteers, we’re hoping to help prevent a blood shortage and make the holidays a little easier for patients in need," Morgan said.
The blood drive is held in honor of Ray Crothers, a beloved Manchester Road Race participant who passed away in 2008 after battling cancer. Crothers was known for his dedication to the race and the community. When the blood drive started in 1986, its become one of the largest single-day blood drives in Connecticut. The event has collected over 8,250 donations.
“Ray’s legacy lives on through the blood drive, and it’s an honor to continue his tradition of giving,” said Morgan.
This year, the blood drive is aiming for 400 appointments. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment in advance through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using sponsor code “RoadRace.” Walk-ins are also welcome.
All presenting donors will receive a commemorative Manchester Road Race T-shirt and enjoy refreshments from Highland Park Market. After 1 p.m., donors will also receive a free ice cream cone. Entertainment and music will be provided throughout the day.
The Red Cross is offering a special promotion to celebrate 30 years of the iconic TV show Friends. Donors who give blood between now and Dec. 8 will receive two pairs of custom Friends + Red Cross socks—one pair for themselves and one to share with a friend.
Appointments for the Ray Crothers Memorial Blood Drive can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors are reminded to bring a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification when checking in.
The Red Cross encourages younger donors, including high school students, to participate. Individuals ages 16 and under with parental consent, who meet certain height and weight requirements, may be eligible to donate.
“We hope the entire community will come out and help us make a difference this holiday season,” Hillard said. “This blood drive is an opportunity to give something truly meaningful and save lives in the process.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code "RoadRace."
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