The American Red Cross urges blood donors to choose their day to give and help ensure blood is available for patients all summer long during its annual summer awareness campaign, sponsored by Suburban Propane.
“Many Americans will be celebrating the unofficial start to summer this Memorial Day weekend, but seasonal activities that bring joy to so many can also lead to a shortage of blood donations when regular donors become busy,” said Keith Rhodes, regional chief executive, North Texas Region. “Patients don’t get a summer holiday from needing lifesaving blood donations and are counting on generous volunteers to help maintain a sufficient supply this summer.”
The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 14,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
Suburban Propane supports the Red Cross summer campaign
As official sponsor of the campaign, which runs through Labor Day weekend, Suburban Propane will help promote the need for blood donations and will encourage its employees and customers to give.
“Suburban Propane is proud to partner with the Red Cross and help raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood – especially during the crucial summer months,” said Suburban Propane’s Chief Development Officer Mark Wienberg. “By expanding our partnership, we can continue to support the life-changing work of the Red Cross and make an even bigger difference in communities across the country.”
Suburban Propane employees will also volunteer at Red Cross blood drives nationwide in one of the largest national volunteer commitments to the Red Cross Blood Services from a corporate partner. Additionally, this year Suburban Propane is expanding its partnership with the Red Cross to include participation in the Home Fire Campaign in some markets, as well as support for disaster relief efforts and Service to the Armed Forces.
The Red Cross has touched the lives of many Suburban Propane employees including Debbie Traub. In May 2014, her 74-year-old father fell from a ladder while power washing his home and suffered life-threatening injuries. He spent 20 days in the intensive care unit and received many blood transfusions. Traub said that she now knows the importance of giving blood and makes a point to donate in honor of her father.
“The Red Cross has partnered with Suburban Propane since 2012, and last year’s ‘100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope.’ campaign marked our first nationwide, summer long partnership,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships for the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “The Red Cross depends on corporate partners like Suburban Propane to help ensure blood is available for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions and to help our communities prepare for and respond to disasters large and small.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Garland
5/25/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Harmony School of Science Garland, 2302 Firewheel Parkway
6/4/2016: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Central Park Church of God, 1901 E Centerville Road
For information and to make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public. redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org
About Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of approximately 1.1 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers.