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Red Cross, VFW team to salute vets

The Stanly News & Press - 7/10/2017

As a way of symbolically giving back to those who gave much, and for some who gave all, local residents are being asked to donate blood in honor or memory of a veteran.

A blood drive is scheduled for 1-6 p.m.July 14 at VFW Post 2908, 119 Anderson Road, Albemarle.

Cindi Bauer, an account manager for the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, said summer is a crucial time for blood donations.

"About one-third of regular donors do not donate during the summer, due to other activities and schools being out on summer break," Bauer said. "These are two reasons why we need everyone to donate, who can, on July 14.

"Independence Day is a great time to reflect on the freedoms we have simply because our military men and women protect those freedoms daily," she added.

With veterans often being exposed to various substances in battle, many are not able to donate blood, she said.

So the Red Cross and VFW have teamed up so residents can give blood and remember their favorite veteran at the same time.

"I'm really hoping this is a way we can honor our military men and women in Albemarle," Bauer said.

The Red Cross will have each person who donates write down their name and the name of their veteran and military branch. The Stanly News & Press will subsequently release this information to its readers.

Residents can register to give blood at redcrossblood.org with the sponsor code VFW.

Have a story idea? Call B.J. Drye at (704) 982-2121 ext. 25, email bj@stanlynewspress.com or follow bjdrye1 on Twitter.