Valleyfair Cares: American Red Cross Blood Drive
Molly Illetschko
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Did you know that every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets? Through our program Valleyfair Cares, Valleyfair is partnering with the American Red Cross of Minnesota to help donate blood to support those in need.
Valleyfair Cares is a program we initiated to commit ourselves to being a strong member of our community. Through this program we partner with a variety of charities and nonprofit organizations to help take steps forward in making their mission a success. Valleyfair efforts to make a difference in any way we can, which is why we take pride in helping make this blood drive possible.
An American Red Cross Blood Drive can be an essential tool is saving lives as it is used for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries and it all starts with one person making a donation.
Valleyfair and the American Red Cross of Minnesota are joining forces on two different dates this summer, Friday, June 17 and Wednesday, August 3 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Through this effort of gathering heroes to help, each day allows for 28 appointments. Donors are gifted admission into the park as a thank you for being a lifesaver to someone in need.
“Hosting blood drives at Valleyfair offers our staff and donors a unique location to donate,” explains Nicole Perlstein, a donor recruiter with the American Red Cross of Minnesota, “The energy in the park is infectious and something that our staff looks forward to with each drive!”
Through blood drives, receiving patients are able to get the whole blood, red cells, platelets and plasma they need. Each year, roughly 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood, yet the need for blood donations are high.
“Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and donate. Only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly,” explains Perlstein, “We need more donors to help patients in need. The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation's blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors.”
Donating blood can save lives, so consider being a hero and donating today with the American Red Cross at Valleyfair.