On Thursday, April 30th, from 1 pm to 6 pm, First United Methodist Church in Pana will be sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive. In connection with this year's group of 2020 seniors, the units of blood collected during this time will count toward the Pana HS scholarship drive. If 31 units are collected that day, the scholarship amount to be given will increase from $1000 to $2500.
The protocol for this blood drive will follow proper distancing for health and safety. Donors will have their temperature checked at the door and will sanitize their hands upon entry. Each person will be handed a face mask. Social distancing will be practiced by keeping chairs 6 feet apart. After donation, the donor will receive a drink and a snack and then sit in their car a little bit before they leave.
Each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country.
Here's how you can help: Anyone over 16 years of age can donate with their guardian's permission. Form can be found here: https://5il.co/fnrt Seniors who donate, or have a family member donate in their place, will be entered into a drawing for a scholarship.
What can you do before the big event? Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: FirstUMCPana to schedule an appointment.
It's not every day that we do something that has such a lifesaving impact. Thank you all for your continued support of the American Red Cross and we look forward to your support.