Mark your calendars – on Friday, September 18, you could help save a life.
That’s when Warner’s Nursery will be having its second blood drive of the year in the safe and super comfy Vitalant bus in our parking lot.
It’s unusual because we typically just have one annual drive around the July 4th holiday. We decided to add a second one this year for several reasons.
First of all, we had a tremendous response to July’s blood drive. Within days of announcing it, all our appointments to give blood were filled up. At the same time, there’s still a huge need for blood. Many blood drives have been cancelled during this era of COVID-19 (although it is safe to give blood – more on that below).
Avari
But probably the most important reason for this special drive is a little girl named Avari. She’s who this blood drive is in honor of and for us, it’s personal; Avari is the beloved step-daughter of one of our employees.
When Avari was born in February 2011, she seemed to be in perfect health, a happy and adorable baby. But after about a month, she developed a persistent cough and fever. A blood test showed that her red blood cell count was dangerously low. The very next day, she was at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for a blood transfusion.
Avari’s had almost 100 blood transfusions since then. She suffers from Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare condition that means her bone marrow doesn’t produce red blood cells. As her mother puts it: “Ava lives on borrowed blood.”
Donations – Safe to Give While Saving Lives
When we have our special blood drive from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday, September 18, you’ll not only be making a difference in the lives of people like Avari, you’ll be safe doing it.
We know that it’s a scary time, and if you are hesitant about donating blood now, we want to reassure you that there’s no inherent risk of coronavirus from the blood donation itself.
Additionally, Vitalant is taking precautions to ensure the well-being of donors and its staff. All donors and staff will be required to wear masks. Social distancing measures will be enacted, which is why we are asking everyone to make an appointment. Vitalant will also be continuously sanitizing the bus, wiping down all high-touch areas often and after every collection.
Being a blood donor is it’s own reward, but there are a few other benefits you’ll get when you donate on September 18:
- A voucher for a free pint of frozen custard from Culver’s.
- A coupon for 15% off all your purchases that day on regularly priced items at Warner’s Nursery.
- Entry in a drawing for a $25 Warner’s gift certificate
To schedule your appointment, go to bloodhero.com and use the code “warners” or give Vitalant a call at 877-25-VITAL. Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you on Sept. 18.
Happy Gardening,
Misti