United Way Day of Caring dates set

United Way of VW County information

The Van Wert County community is encouraged to come together to “Give. Advocate. Volunteer.” during the 17th annual United Way Day of Caring to be held on Friday, September 25. The 2015 Day of Caring will include an American Red Cross blood drive, a Salvation Army Food Pantry food drive and several community service projects for United Way agencies throughout Van Wert County.

The American Red Cross Day of Caring blood drive will take place on Friday, September 25, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert. The blood drive goal is 176 units of blood. Come to donate and receive a t-shirt and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gas card courtesy of the Van Wert United Way Day of Caring sponsors.

“This summer we’ve experienced an urgent need for blood types O negative, B negative, and A negative,” said Vince Robinson, external communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio region. “We’re asking donors who haven’t donated, and those who gave earlier this summer who are now eligible to donate again, to please make an appointment to give now to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. In our area, 500 units of blood are needed every day to meet patient needs. The American Red Cross strives to maintain a sufficient blood supply to meet the needs of hospital patients, and to be prepared for disaster and trauma situations.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 800.733.2767.

The Salvation Army Food Pantry food drive will actually start in early September with collection barrels being placed in area schools, businesses and other locations. “Without the help of the community and the area schools this hefty goal of 33,000 perishable food and personal care items would not be possible. I want to thank everyone who donated blood and food last year, and encourage you to do so again. Let’s make this another great year for The Salvation Army and American Red Cross,” said Day of Caring Chair Erin Shaffer.

Contact the United Way of Van Wert County at 419.238.6689 or visit www.unitedwayvanwert.org to find a convenient food donation location.