The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood at the Day of Caring blood drive. People can donate blood on Friday, September 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, 605 North Franklin Street, Van Wert, OH, 45891.

The Vantage Career Center is a career-technical school for 11^th and 12^th grade students in four counties in northwest Ohio. During the Day of Caring, students and community members participate in a food drive sponsored by United Way of Van Wert County for local food pantries and help patients in need by donating blood during the Red Cross blood drive.  

To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code vwdoc or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank you, presenting donors will receive a Red Cross t-shirt and $15 e-gift card to their merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.

Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience. Get a good night’s sleep, drink an extra 16 ounces of water, eat iron-rich foods to maintain a healthy iron level and consume a low-fat meal before donating.

Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour. The Red Cross encourages donors to give blood every time they are eligible.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its six chapters: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross.