Manhattan Beach Fire Department partners with Red Cross to host 19th annual blood drive in memory of Matt Johnson

MANHATTAN BEACH (Sept. 27, 2018) – The American Red Cross and Manhattan Beach Fire Department invite eligible donors to roll up a sleeve Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7, in memory Matt Johnson.

Matt was a Manhattan Beach junior lifeguard who enjoyed surfing and helping others. At 12 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. He fought the disease for two years until his passing in 2000. Matt’s family, friends and members of the community continue to honor his life by asking the public to donate blood in his honor.

"For the past 19 years the community has rallied together to honor Matt's memory through their blood donations," said Thais Johnson, Matt's mom. "We are so grateful this community realizes the importance that blood donation makes for those in need of lifesaving blood due to illness, accident or disaster."

Donate blood in memory of Matt Johnson

Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Fire Department, Station 1

400 15th St.

To make an appointment for the blood drive in memory of Matt, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code mattjohnson.

How to donate blood
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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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