OCEAN CITY — With donations waning during the winter months, the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s “O.C. Cares Blood Drive” is set to return to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in January has taken on an added importance.
This year will mark the 17th time that the Town of Ocean City and the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) are teaming up to host the annual blood drive, which has become an important component of the organization’s efforts on the Lower Shore. Since its inception, the BBD has collected blood from 7,565 donors at the annual January blood drive in Ocean City.
“Blood donations can slow during the winter months, which makes the O.C. Cares Blood Drive so crucial to members of the surrounding community,” said BBD Director of Marketing and Community Relations Michael Waite this week.
With a little luck with the weather and the generosity of the local community, the BBD is expecting, and needs, at least 500 donors for the event this year, set for Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Convention Center.
“With this one blood drive, residents of Ocean City and its surrounding areas can help supply the blood needs of the hospitals on the shore during a critical time of the year,” said BBD Account Executive Suzanne Murray. “It’s great to see the whole community come together to help support the blood drive.”
In years past, the O.C. Cares Blood Drive was held over two days. However, this year’s schedule has been condensed to just one day with extended hours to better meet the donors’ schedules. While helping the BBD and those in need in the community, donors also have the opportunity to take home a prize for their efforts.
Everyone who signs up will receive a chance to win a flat-screen television as well as other exciting prizes. The blood drive will be set up in the Dockside Hall at the Convention Center, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.
The town of Ocean City is involved and generously supports its many employees who sign up to give blood during the event. Members of the Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City Kiwanis Club have also volunteered to donate their time and assistance during the event. Many local businesses will be providing free refreshments for donors after they give blood including pizza from Dough Roller, donuts from WaWa, chocolates and candies from Candy Kitchen and Wockenfuss, brownies from Applebee’s, and coffee and hot tea from Center Plate Catering. The Worcester County Girl Scouts have also donated 15 cases of cookies to be enjoyed at the event.
Walk-ins are welcome, but to schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org or call 1-800-8BLOOD8.