Legion Family Members Donate Hundreds of Units at National Convention Blood Drive
Charlotte, NC – August 29, 2024 – A highly triumphant blood drive hosted during The American Legion’s national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, has resulted in hundreds of life-saving blood donations from Legion Family members. The two-day drive, facilitated by One Blood, tapped into a deep well of commitment to service within the organization, with donors ranging from first-time givers to seasoned veterans of blood donation.
The drive’s popularity necessitated extending it over two days to accommodate the enthusiastic response. ”We don’t miss out on those units,” explained drive organizer Jackson, emphasizing the critical need for donations.”Everyone here has been super enthusiastic to just being able to help and donate. One unit can save three lives. most people don’t know that but every unit counts. Every drop counts.” One donor proudly shared they had reached a milestone of donating 10 gallons of blood, a testament to the long-term dedication of Legion Family members.
The American Legion’s commitment to community service was on full display, with members citing personal experiences as motivation for giving. Department of Pennsylvania commander Patrick Love, attending his first national convention, shared that blood donation has been a lifelong habit, stemming from his time in the Marine Corps.”It’s one of the easiest ways you can help people,” he said. He also recounted donating regularly to support a friend whose son suffered from hemophilia, highlighting the profound impact of blood donations on individuals and families.
Department of Iowa Auxiliary president Kim Dixon, who has donated 4 gallons of blood, was inspired to begin donating after her stepmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. “She had to have multiple, multiple transfusions and that’s pretty much what kept her alive. I thought, someone did that for her, I should do that for someone else,” Dixon explained, embodying the Legion Family’s motto of ”service not self.”
Donors were incentivized with a One Blood water bottle and a $20 eGift card. Jackson noted that next month’s incentives will focus on cancer awareness,reflecting the Legion Family’s notable involvement in supporting cancer patients and their families.
The partnership between The American Legion and One Blood proved crucial to the drive’s success. Jackson expressed gratitude for the Legion’s support in providing an accessible location and encouraging participation. “It’s nice to be in a role that’s allowing me to save lives essentially. But it wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have the people,like The American legion,come out and say ‘Hey,we want you in our spot’ and positioning us to be accessible and easy while everyone is here,” she said.
About The American Legion: Founded in 1919, The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and scholarship, strengthening national security, and advocating for veterans, servicemembers and their families. With nearly 2 million members, the Legion plays a vital role in communities across the United States.
About One blood: One Blood is a non-profit blood donation organization serving communities across Florida, South Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, puerto Rico, New York and North Carolina. They are dedicated to providing a safe, reliable blood supply to hospitals and patients in need.
