MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (April 11, 2019) — For the fifth year in a row, the cities of Hobart and Hammond are joining together for a friendly competition to pay tribute to award-winning educator and community activist Nancy Snider. The community is invited to give blood with the American Red Cross in memory of Nancy Thursday, April 25 at Purdue University Northwest Hammond Campus in Hammond, Thursday, May 9 at Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond, or Wednesday, May 15 at Hobart High School in Hobart.
Nancy passed away from brain cancer after a 14-month illness in May 2014. A native of Hobart and a teacher and school principal in Hammond, Nancy received many awards and recognitions during her career in education, including the 2005 Indiana Elementary School Principal of the Year. Nancy was loved and respected by students, parents and staff alike. She thrived on making a difference in her students’ lives and inspired many to give back to their community.
This is the fifth year the memorial challenge has been held, with the first four years resulting in 1,215 blood donations. Organizers hope this year the Red Cross will collect the 1,400th donation made in Nancy’s name.
“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Lori Caputo, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in Nancy’s name is a wonderful way to remember her and potentially help others.”
Individuals can also make a financial donation toward scholarships in the name of Nancy Snider. Last year, $5,500 in scholarship dollars were earned by the Hobart and Hammond School Corporations for college bound scholars.
The Nancy Snider Memorial Challenge is sponsored by the Nancy Snider Memorial Fund, the City of Hammond, the City of Hobart, School City of Hobart and Superintendent Peggy Buffington, Ph.D., School City of Hammond and Superintendent Dr. Walter J. Watkins, and the Hammond Education Foundation.
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In Indiana alone, the Red Cross needs about 450 donors each day to support patients at 80 hospitals across the state. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products.
Donate blood in memory of Nancy Snider
Thursday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Purdue University Northwest Hammond Campus
2200 168th St., Hammond, IN 46323
Thursday, May 9, 1-7 p.m.
Jean Shepherd Community Center – Café A & B
3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr., Hammond, IN 46323
Wednesday, May 15, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hobart High School – Field House
2211 E 10th St., Hobart, IN 46342
To schedule: use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood,org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), Sponsor code: nancysnider.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
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 redcross.org or cruzrojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.