Wells Fargo, Carter BloodCare and Caritas of Waco join forces for “Waco We CAN Save a Life!”

13. Dec, 2010 0 Comments

Blood transfusions and hunger do not take a break and are needed most during holiday season

WACO, Texas (Dec. 15, 2010) – As part of the “Waco We CAN Save a Life!” campaign, Carter BloodCare and Caritas of Waco (Caritas) are asking the Central Texas community to give blood and food during the holiday season when both are needed the most. Across the nation and in our own community, the needs are greater than ever. You can make a direct impact by participating in this special combination blood and food drive hosted by Wells Fargo to benefit Carter BloodCare and Caritas on Wednesday, Dec.15, 2010. The drive will be held at Texas Life Insurance Annex on 900 Washington from noon to 6 p.m. For more information and to register for an appointment time, contact Terry Aslin at 254-855-2578.

“Shortages of both blood and food happen during the winter,” said Terry Aslin, Carter BloodCare’s field recruitment consultant for the drive. “The needs often increase this time of year because the break in routine can mean planned holiday surgeries or unplanned visits to the emergency room resulting from travel accidents.”

Additionally, some of Carter BloodCare’s regular blood donors often get sidetracked and blood donation is not always top-of-mind.

“Because of the large number of people needing help, Caritas uses its supply of food very rapidly and we have a constant need to replenish it – even after recent successful food drives,” said Executive Director Buddy Edwards with Caritas. “We have already exceeded our own records in 2009 for the number of families we saw in a month and in a single day. From what we have seen so far, the numbers have not slowed down in 2010.”

Carter BloodCare blood donors are requested to bring a non-perishable food item to help Caritas. Names of donors who give both blood and food will be registered for hourly prize drawings. During the blood and food drive, participants will enjoy food from area restaurants, entertainment from local schools and blood donors receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Carter BloodCare and Caritas encourage the community to give both blood and food and do it frequently throughout the year. Because the needs are ongoing and consistently growing, the two organizations plan to make this an annual campaign.

Waco We CAN Save a Life, 2

Potential blood donors can be 16 years old with a parent’s consent; 17-year-olds may donate independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health and present a photo ID. Ideally, a donor should also eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. For more information about donor eligibility, call Carter BloodCare at 1-800-DONATE-4 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare’s volunteer donors provide lifesaving blood for patients at over 200 health care facilities in 56 counties in North, Central and East Texas. Carter BloodCare is the largest not-for-profit 501(c) (3) community blood center in Texas and is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and is a member of America’s Blood Centers.

About Caritas of Waco

Caritas of Waco provides emergency support to people in need in the community. Caritas is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agency and offers assistance through two programs: emergency assistance such as food, clothing, and other items and three thrift stores operating in the Waco area.