The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Westbrook Lodge # 1784 will host a 20th anniversary American Red Cross blood drive on Monday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westbrook Elks Lodge #1784, 142 Seaside Avenue, Westbrook to help ensure blood is available this summer for patients in need.

The Westbrook Elks hosted its first blood drive in June of 1995, as a joint effort between the Elks and its auxiliary organization, the Emblem Club. The first drive was hosted by John Mayo, Past Exalted Ruler of the Lodge and Ruth Dente who was an officer in the Emblem Club. Both organizations continue this tradition today by making their facility available and providing refreshments to all of their faithful donors and volunteers six times a year.

“Over the years, we have dedicated eight of our drives to friends and neighbors who have needed large amounts of blood products due to surgery or other conditions,” said Rob Powitz, Westbrook Elks. “In addition, due to a large amount of regular donors, we have increased the number of drives per year to six to accommodate those who want to give the gift of life as often as possible. We have such a caring community and we are excited to be able to host regular blood drives to help our neighbors in need.”

Blood drives sponsored by the Westbrook Elks on average collect approximately 100 pints of blood at each drive, consistently making them one of the top sponsors of Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut. “We are so grateful for the consistent support of the Westbrook Elks,” said Stefanie Arcangelo, external communications manager, American Red Cross Connecticut Blood Services Region. “Because of their consistent dedication to hosting Red Cross blood drives, blood has been made available for countless patients in need.”

Westbrook Elks 20th Anniversary Blood Drive

Monday, July 20, 2015

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Westbrook Elks Lodge #1784

142 Seaside Avenue, Westbrook

To make an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

This summer, eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to give hope to hospital patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. It’s often difficult to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs in the summer, because high schools and colleges are out of session, and donors don’t schedule appointments as frequently due to vacations and summer activities.

Suburban Propane is the official sponsor of the American Red Cross “100 days of summer. 100 days of hope.” campaign and is helping to increase awareness of the constant need for blood and platelet donations. To learn more about Suburban Propane’s community involvement, visit suburbanpropane.com.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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