According to the American Red Cross, the nation faces a critical shortage of blood donations. Over the last several years, Leland’s John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 has collaborated with the Red Cross and local television station WWAY to host blood drives regularly to help address this shortage. Since 2022, these coordinated drives have collected 572 RBC products (units of blood). The most recent drive, the first for Post 68 in 2025, concluded at 2:30 PM on Friday, January 31. At that time, 46 units of blood, including eight Power Red units, were donated.

Post 68 thanks the Leland community for participating in ensuring this event’s success. Special thanks to David Bieler of Leland, who has been a blood donor for 20 years. Thanks also to WWAY’s Christian Ferrante and staff for their assistance in using the WWAY facilities. A short news video is available at:

The next Post 68 blood drive is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at WWAY’s studios (1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland). To learn more about American Legion Post 68, its work in the community, scheduled membership meetings, or how you can join, visit https://ncpost68.org/.

Pictured L-R are L-R Post 68 Chaplain Jim McAvoy, Alan Simmons, and John Hacker, 1st Vice Commander.