Second Annual Event Aims to Collect Over 3,000 Units of Blood

Faith groups throughout the Bay Area are once again teaming with the American Red Cross to help maintain the community’s blood supply during the summer months.

The second annual Interfaith Community Blood Drive, which comprises more than 80 individual blood drives in July is coming to Benicia on Monday, July 30. 

Sponsored by 12 different faith-based groups, the Interfaith Community Blood Drive is held at church buildings and Red Cross facilities throughout the greater-Bay Area – reaching as far north as Ukiah and as far south as Salinas and Monterey

The month-long drive is trying to bring in more than 3,000 units of blood.

“July is traditionally a difficult month to collect blood because schools are out and many people are on vacation,” said Jeff Meyer, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region.  “The commitment made by these faith groups is to help collect nearly 100 percent of the blood we need in July, and we are excited they have readily taken on this need.”

According to the Red Cross, the number one reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others.” The Interfaith Community Blood Drive brings together a number of religious groups with a common goal – to help others.

“Service is the common thread of all religions, and it is truly inspirational to see people of different faiths sacrificing together for those in great need,” Elder Robert Packer of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said.  

“Our goal is to be of service to the broader community by combining the efforts of the Catholic and interfaith communities,” said Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, of the Catholic Diocese of Oakland. 

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good physical health may be eligible to donate blood. Please call -800-733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: InterfaithCommunity to schedule an appointment.

Who:           American Red Cross and 12 Faith-Based Groups

What:         Interfaith Community Blood Drive

When:      Monday, July 30, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:     The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1125 Southampton Road

Do you subscribe to the Benicia Patch newsletter? It brings our latest stories, blogs, announcements and the day's calendar events to your in-box early each morning.

Do you have opinions, experiences and views to share? Consider becoming a Benicia Patch blogger!

If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.