EATON — The third annual Vincent Jones Memorial Blood Drive in Eaton will renew the tribute to blood donors that helped a young father battling leukemia live long enough to see the birth of his son.
The blood drive is Saturday, June 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Eaton First Church of God gym, 601 East Lexington Road, Eaton. It features a free pancake breakfast and everyone who registers to donate will receive a “Vincent Strong” bracelet and the patriotic “Earn Your Stars and Stripes – Donate Blood” t-shirt.
Everyone 18 and older will be automatically entered in the Community Blood Center “Build a Better Blood Supply Summer Blood Drive” drawing to win a $5,000 home improvement gift card. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE.
Vincent Jones lost his battle with leukemia in June of 2016, just 13 days after the birth of his second son, Jeremiah. His widow Mindy Sue Jones coordinated the first blood drive in his memory in August of 2016. Last year’s blood drive gathered the support of 67 donors, including 17 first-time donors.
“It is our family’s privilege and honor every year to host the blood drive to remember and honor Vincent all the donors who gave Vincent blood so he could live long enough to meet our newborn son Jeremiah,” Mindy Sue said in a video appeal on her Facebook page. “We hope you will consider donating blood and helping touch lives as our family’s lives were touched during my husband’s illness.”
Help “Build a Better Blood Supply
Community Blood Center is counting on blood donors and their “Do it yourself” spirit to help build a better blood supply this summer.
Summer is a time of no high school blood drives, family vacation travel, and increased outdoor activities. All this can disrupt donation schedules and impact supply. If you must miss an appointment to donate please reschedule when you can.
Everyone who registers to donate blood from May 29 through Sept. 1 at a CBC Donor Center or a CBC mobile blood drive will be automatically entered in the “Build a Better Blood Supply Summer Blood Drive” drawing to win a $5,000 home improvement gift card. Donors must be 18 by the end of the campaign period to win.
Eligible donors can enter the drawing a second time when they register for a second donation during the blood drive period. CBC will announce the winner in September. Official rules are available at www.givingblood.org.
