On Friday, January 7, 2022, the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland, NC and WWAY TV Wilmington, NC co-hosted their third Red Cross blood drive.  The event was held at the WWAY Event Center in Leland from 10:00am to 2:30pm.  It’s not often that we, as private citizens, have an opportunity to do something that has such a lifesaving impact.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made donating more difficult due to safety restrictions and lack of available donation venues.    Alan Simmons, Red Cross Volunteer Ambassador, Post 68 Past Commander, and 9/11 survivor commented “The need for blood never takes a holiday and this blood drive was especially critical due the extreme shortage of certain blood types.”

cover photo:  Post 68 members working blood drive pose with banner.

The event was a huge success with 62 pints collected.  That’s 186 lives saved!  Due to the ongoing shortage, The Red Cross, Post 68 and WWAY will continue this partnership with additional blood drives this year scheduled for May 27, September 9, and December 9.
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What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. We extend our sincere thanks to all the donors, Red Cross volunteers, Post 68 members, and WWAY TV staff who made this event such a success, achieving over 100% of our blood donation goal.