On January 22nd, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and National Blood Donor Month, LightHouse and partnering agencies worked together to save 171 lives during the “Day of Giving” Blind Blood Drive.
The Bay Area blood drive was initiated and coordinated by the LightHouse along with the Orientation Center for the Blind and the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center. The organizations opened their doors to blind and sighted donors alike, allowing people to walk in and donate blood for those in need. The American Red Cross was able to collect 57 usable units of blood, which, between red cells, platelets and plasma, will potentially save 171 lives.
LightHouse Director of Community Services Lisamaria Martinez said:
“It was great to have the Red Cross turn our headquarters into a blood donation center for the third consecutive year. Members of the blind community and other supporters of the LightHouse came in throughout the day, as well as people who were just passing by. It’s wonderful to know that our blood drive will potentially save so many lives. We can’t wait to team up with the Red Cross and other agencies for the blind again next year for an even bigger day of giving.”
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s blood drive and a very big thank you to the American Red Cross.
