Red Cross plans second blood drive for Monday

American Red Cross is celebrating Red Cross Month in March by giving thanks to the many people in the Lampasas community who have donated their time, money and blood during the past year.

A second blood drive of 2008 is set Monday from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at AMVETS Post 80.

"America has always been a place of humanitarian action and compassion, a place where people take care of each other whether they are down the block or around the globe," said Wanda Meyers, local blood drive coordinator. "Putting compassion into action is deeply rooted in the American character, and the people in Lampasas are no exception."

Although hurricanes and tsunamis make headlines, many forget that the day-to-day work of the Red Cross takes place in communities like Lampasas, said Mrs. Meyers. "It is made possible by hometown heroes who volunteer their time, and is funded by voluntary contributions from local citizens and businesses."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March 1943 to be Red Cross Month -- a tradition that has continued every year by each president since.

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains almost 12 million people in life-saving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide.

The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation. It also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts nationwide.

To donate blood, one must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old.

For more information on the local drive, phone Mrs. Meyers at 556-3338.