By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
McDonald’s is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at its Veterans Boulevard location.
“During these times, it’s critical we do our part,” said Frank Mendoza, owner of the two Del Rio McDonald’s. “This is a great chance for us to help our community and do something that can save some people’s lives.”
While South Texas Blood and Tissue is offering a shirt for donors, Mendoza is also throwing in a free cup of coffee or glass of orange juice.
“We want to do whatever it takes to make this easy for people and at the same time, encourage them to donate,” he added.
Another step making the blood drive easier than ever is people can register online, by going here, or by calling 210-731-5590.
Mendoza said he plans to be the first in line because donating right now is critical, due to the recent bout of cold weather. The weather caused several blood drives to be canceled or postponed, causing South Texas Blood and Tissue blood supplies to lag behind.
Francine Piña, Public Relations Manager for BioBridge Global, said that 30 percent of the blood for the drive will be used for cancer patients. BioBridge Global is the parent organization of South Texas Blood and Tissue.
“Patients in more than 100 hospitals and clinics in South Texas, including Del Rio, rely on the generous hearts of blood donors regularly,” Piña said. “Even during a shortage, patients need blood for surgery, those who need blood as part of their regular cancer treatments, newborns and their mothers and many other patients.”
South Texas Blood and Tissue is a nonprofit community blood center that provides blood, plasma, platelets and other blood components to 100 hospitals in 48 South Texas counties. It is the largest blood supplier in the South Texas region.
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Contact the author at joelalangton@gmail.com
