Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Despite her short 14 months of life, Clara Ellen Zlatkin’s time with her family was filled with love and happiness. Tragedy struck on Sept. 11, 2016 when Clara suffered a series of strokes. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders and specialists, she died three days later surrounded by her family, including parents Marc and Karen and older sisters Kayla and Lily.
Moved by the love and support they received, Clara’s family established Love Clara, a nonprofit charitable organization that provides support to families who have lost children to illness or tragedy.
For the second consecutive year, the Love Clara Foundation will hold an American Red Cross blood drive in her memory on Thursday, Dec. 27 from 2-7 p.m. at the Woolwich Township Municipal Building, 120 Village Green Drive. The drive is open to the public.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and enter sponsor code Love Clara.
“Love Clara is driven by our sweet baby girl's spirit, yet also the spirit of community that has so lovingly and thoughtfully helped us along,” shared Karen Zlatkin, Clara’s mother. “When a family experiences their darkest hour, Love Clara seeks to offer not only financial support to offset some of the funeral and burial costs, but also emotional support through ‘love baskets’ from a family who understands and empathizes with their depths of pain and loss.”
Hosting a Red Cross blood drive is one of many ways Clara’s family and foundation are giving back to the community during the holiday season. This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a seasonal decline in blood donations, when donors get busy with family gatherings and holiday travel. Blood and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks. In thanks, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and enter sponsor code Love Clara. To learn more about Love Clara, visit LoveClara.org.
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.