News Release

Media Contact:Jennifer L. Keller - (316) 268-0853 / Cell: (316) 558-2428
E-Contact Info: kellerje@usa.redcross.org, www.twitter.com/JenniferLKeller
Websites:www.redcrossblood.org
 

Blood Drive to Honor Longtime Coordinator    

Wichita, Kan.— Aug. 30, 2010 —A commemorative blood drive will be held in honor of Mattye Foxx, longtime coordinator of the Pittsburg Community Blood Drive, on Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E. 4^th St. Everyone who presents to give blood will receive a Red Cross Racing camouflage hat and will be entered in a drawing for a $100 gas card.

Twenty seven years is a long time to do anything, especially when you’re a volunteer. But, that is exactly how long Mattye Foxx has been coordinating the community blood drives in Pittsburg.

She got started with the American Red Cross by serving on the Chapter Board more than 40 years ago. Then in 1983, she began coordinating the blood drives for her community.

“It is truly amazing the number of hours she has put into coordinating and staffing blood drives over the years,” said Debbie Cox, Donor Resource Representative. “I know she will be missed by all her volunteers and donors.”

Community blood drives are held in Pittsburg four times each year. All together, these drives are responsible for raising 850 pints of blood – capable of saving up to 2, 550 lives each year. This blood is used by hospital patients throughout Kansas.

It is a lot of work hosting a blood drive. The American Red Cross Blood Services – Central Plains Region wishes to sincerely thank Foxx for her dedication to the Red Cross over the years. We will miss her as a coordinator and wish her all the best.

How to Donate Blood: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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