Annual 49ers4Life blood drive is opportunity to help save lives

Monday, January 9, 2017

Students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni and members of the greater community, have the opportunity to participate in the annual 49ers4Life blood drive, set for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Halton Arena.

Dot Munson, a member of the recycling team in Facilities Management, has regularly rolled up a sleeve in support of this and other campus blood drives.

“I know there is always a big demand for blood,” said Munson, who views donating as an opportunity to meet like-minded people. As a "regular," she said she recognizes the basic sense of generosity that donors share. Plus, she knows her blood is going to help someone who really needs it.

Jillian Butler, donor recruitment manager for the American Red Cross, noted that winter is one of the toughest times for the Red Cross to collect enough blood to meet patients’ needs. “When the UNC Charlotte community comes together for this drive, they can help boost the blood supply, and ultimately offer hope to sick children, cancer patients and accident victims.”

Presenting donors will receive a specially designed “I Bleed 49ers Green” T-shirt, while supplies last, and they will be entered to win additional prizes, such as spirit gear from Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, the campus bookstore. Several area restaurants will provide free food during the drive.

Information on how to donate blood, including making an appointment and obtaining the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, is on the web.

Each year, organizers of the 49ers4Life blood drive set the goal of 1,000 pints of blood collected; previous drives have come close but never hit that mark.