For those frugal types noticing Valentine’s Day’s approach, here’s a chance to get your loved one some chocolate: United Blood Services is offering, in return for giving blood, a four-ounce box of See’s chocolate.
The group has asked the public to make a resolution to give blood at least three times in 2010. For business owners, the challenge is to hold at least three blood drives this year so the bank can keep a steady flow in its supply.
United Blood Services welcomes all blood types—especially O-Negative—with open arms, so there aren’t many excuses for a healthy human to not give blood.
And it’s easy to schedule an appointment. Visit blood4life.org and click “Donate Blood.” Type in a zip code to see a list of drives being held in the area. For even faster service, call 928-2546 to hear about Santa Maria. Appointments aren’t necessary, though. Just stop by 1770 South Broadway in the Plum Tree Plaza, next to Lassen’s Natural Foods.
In order to save a life with a drop of blood, the donor must be older than 16, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good shape—additional height and weight requirements may apply for donors younger than 22.
Anyone still uneasy with the idea should remember Mr. Spock’s dying words from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, even though he has green blood: “It is logical that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the needs of the one.”
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 4, 2010.