EATON — The legacy of a young Eaton dad lost to blood cancer will continue with the fifth annual Vincent Jones Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, June 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Eaton First Church of God, 601 East Lexington Road, Eaton.
Schedule an appointment at www.DonorTime.com or call 937-461-3220. Everyone who registers to donate will receive the “Hero – Giver, Lifesaver, Donor” face mask, “Wake Up & Give” t-shirt, and a free orange #VincentStrong stress ball. Donors must have an appointment and must wear a face mask.
Jones died June 24, 2016, after a nine-week battle with leukemia. Vincent’s widow Mindy Sue Jones-Vannatter organized the first memorial blood drive in August of 2016 as a tribute to blood donors who helped him live long enough to see the birth of his second son Jeremiah.
Since 2016 it has totaled 271 donors, including 39 first-time donors. This year the blood drive will extend hours to include platelet and double red cell donations.
“We are very excited to add these important donation options this year!” said Mindy Sue. “Although during this time we will be practicing social distancing and cannot have our traditional pancake breakfast, we still plan to honor Vincent’s memory by filling as many donation spots as possible.”
CBC needs donors as hospitals return to pre-COVID-19 usage combined with the traditional summer challenges of vacation travel, no high school blood drives, and increases in accidents and trauma cases.
The “Wake Up & Donate Blood Drive” is underway to encourage blood donations. Everyone who registers to donate May 4 through Oct. 31 is automatically entered in the grand prize drawing for a custom-comfort Sleep Number bed.
“Blood donations are needed now more than ever,” said Mindy Sue. “Please help our family honor Vincent’s memory and make this the biggest Vincent Jones Memorial Blood Drive yet!”
Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
