Thanksgiving blood drive set for Wednesday, Nov. 22

Upstate Carolina Medical Center will host its annual Thanksgiving Blood Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 22 (the day before Thanksgiving), 1-7 p.m. at the hospital. This is a community blood drive and anyone who is at least 17 years old and weighs at least 110 pounds is asked to donate a unit of blood. Bloodmobiles will be parked in the hospital's front parking lot.

"The hospital hosts two community blood drives each year," Marketing Director Steve Wong said. "One in the spring; one in the fall. We like to hold the fall drive close to Thanksgiving because people seem to be in a thankful and giving mood. I guess maybe they are feeling thankful for their own good fortune and want to express

it. Or, maybe they are getting in the holiday spirit. For whatever reason, a Thanksgiving blood drive seems to work. I think it's because people know it is just the right thing to do."

Donated blood is always in short supply, but this is especially true as we go into the holiday season, when there is more travel and, as a result, more accidents.

"As usual, we are working on various ways to express our appreciation to those folks who do come out and give," Wong said. "Everyone who gives will get a free hospital T-shirt. There will also be some door prizes and good food. You can expect more than just juice and cookies."

To sign up for an appointment, please call 487-4271.