As the holidays approach, consider giving the gift of life

by AMANDA RUNION
Staff writer

Blood. It is an integral part of anyone’s well-being, but the need for it is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Want to help? Here’s your chance.

Donating blood is a simple and safe process. Most people make it through a quick overall health check and are able to give blood and leave within the hour. Many factors go into the process and when the potential donor passes the health check, the rest of the process runs smoothly, with snacks supplied at the end (a.k.a. the best part). Any information given to American Red Cross is confidential.

When blood drives are available on campus they are usually advertised through mass emails which gives you the chance to plan around your class or work schedule to help.

Blood drives are happening around Tiffin, yet the donations are sparse. An estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, yet less than 10 percent actually give each year. 

What are some of the most common excuses for not giving blood?  “Never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles.”

With the holidays coming up, what better way to give? Giving someone the chance to live longer and feel healthy again not only helps the receiver but also can give you the satisfaction of truly helping someone. 

Moreover, one donation can help multiple people.

​While donating, you are more than welcome to bring a book, listen to some music, play on your phone, and take some photos. Whatever you do, just make time to give blood. Someone’s life depends on it.

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​If you are interested, here is a list of upcoming donation locations in and around Tiffin through the end of December.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Heidelberg University, Campus Center
44 Greenfield St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Wednesday, November 2, 2016, noon – 6:00 p.m.
Family of Faith Lutheran Church (inside the Tiffin Mall)
870 W. Market St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lakota High School
5200 County Road 13, Kansas, Ohio 44841

Wednesday, November 23, 2016, noon – 6:00 p.m.
Seneca Fairgrounds
126 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Saturday, November 26, 2016, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Journey
2531 S. State Route 100, Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Monday, December 5, 2016, noon – 6:00 p.m.
Tiffin Moose Lodge
1146 N. State Route 53, Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Meadowbrook Park
5430 W. State Route 18, Bascom, Ohio 44809

Wednesday, December 14, 2016, noon – 6:00 p.m.
National Machinery
161 Greenfield St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883