Holiday Carolina Blood Drive helps those in need
Held Dec. 11 this year, the annual American Red Cross event provides opportunities to give blood and volunteer.
The Holiday Carolina Blood Drive is the perfect way to help others during this festive time. The annual event, hosted by the Employee Forum and the American Red Cross, will be held Dec. 11 at Fetzer Hall.
“I think it’s a great way to give back to our community and to the University,” said Gail Moriarty, a volunteer for this year’s drive and a business services coordinator for the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
Gail Moriarty
Last year, 381 people came to donate blood, including 103 first-time donors. Since 1999, the drive has accepted 8,209 donors.
Moriarty, who has volunteered at the blood drive for 25 years, has worked in nearly every position, from registration to donor escort, even giving out T-shirts. The past few years she has worked in the canteen, giving donors refreshments and monitoring them after their donation.
Moriarty regularly donated blood during drives but started volunteering once she began taking medication that interfered with blood donation. With donations needed more than ever in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Moriarty hopes that more individuals consider participating this year.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing how their perspective to donating has changed, especially due to the great need in the western part of the state and other states that were impacted,” Moriarty said.
Register to donate
While the blood drive does accept walk-ins on the day of the event, organizers also encourage donors to reserve a time slot. Reservations can be made through the American Red Cross’ Blood Services site, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or using the Blood Donor App and entering sponsor code “UNC.”
Check eligibility
As the drive approaches, check to make sure you are eligible to give by entering the date of your last donation. This online calculator considers whole blood, Power Red (double red blood cell) and platelet donations.
Go to Fetzer Hall
This year’s Holiday Carolina Blood Drive is from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Fetzer Hall. Free parking is available in Cobb Deck. As a thank you, donors will receive a long-sleeve commemorative Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Across its 25 years, the Holiday Carolina Blood Drive has accepted 8,209 donors. (Submitted photo)
For more details or information on volunteering, visit carolinablooddrive.orkexpo.net.
