CITY OF LOCKPORT: Red Cross reports good turnout for blood drive

By April Amadon<br><a href="mailto:april.amadon@lockportjournal.com">E-mail April</a>
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

January 09, 2009 01:29 am

— The promise of hot coffee and free pizza drew in the donors Thursday, as dozens turned out for the American Red Cross donation drive at the Dale Association.
Marybeth Hall, American Red Cross blood services account manager, said the donors lined up steadily throughout the day to roll up their sleeves.
The promotions this time around may have helped. On Thursday, all donors were given free pizza from Papa Leo’s, and each donor received a coupon for a pound of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts.
The coffee coupon promotion will continue through the month of January, Hall said.
Hall said she was impressed by a lot of the donors — from the more high-profile, such as Lockport Police Chief Larry Eggert and Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour, to the lower-profile, like Wilson’s Kevin Walch.
Hall said Walch, now in college, has been donating since he was 17 years old.
“He was on home for break and came in to help out,” Hall said.
Both Eggert and Voutour arrived early in the day to make their donations.
Hall said the donor base in this area has always been strong.
“Eastern Niagara County, as a whole, is very good,” she said.
Sometimes donations taper off during the holiday season or when the weather is bad.
“Even with that being said, we’ve done pretty well,” she said.
To donate blood, a person must be in general good health, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation can call the Red Cross at 1 (800) GIVE-LIFE.
Anyone who is ineligible to donate but would still like to volunteer can call the local chapter office at 434-8876.
Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

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