Blood Drive Dedicated to Kay Frels

 

This article was published in the Jackson-County Herald on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 

As we get into the holiday season, several local entities want to make sure there is an opportunity to give thanks by giving.

“Thanks for Giving,” a community blood drive will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at the Brackenridge Main Event Center, hosted by Lavaca-Navidad River Authority, Jackson Electric Cooperative, Edna Rotary Club, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, and the First United Methodist Church of Edna.

“November, December and January are very tight times for area hospitals that count on the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center for their blood supply,” said Roy Griffin, general manager of Jackson Electric Cooperative. “With the holiday rush, potential donors can be too busy to drop in for their normal donation.”

In the past, JEC has held a blood drive at its offices on the day before Thanksgiving.

"The day before any major holiday is a very non-productive time so we “bribe” our potential donors by allowing them time off on that day after they donate,” he said. 

Griffin and the other sponsors hope by holding the blood drive on the day before Thanksgiving to encourage many in the community to take time to donate blood before the holiday.

JEC’s blood drive often produced 25 to 30 units of blood, according to Griffin. By opening the drive to the community and holding it at the BRC, his goal is to collect up to 200 units.

Those who have benefited from blood donations in the past are invited to drop by and thank the donors. Those who are unable to give for medical reasons or otherwise are also encouraged to go and express their gratitude.

“We are also asking groups in the community to bring cookies and other treats as an expression of thanks for those who give,” Griffin added.

This year the blood drive is dedicated to Kay Frels, a beloved member of the community and employee of JEC who died unexpectedly earlier this year. Frels coordinated the drives and JEC and worked with LNRA on its drives.

“She represented what we wish to acknowledge with this drive,” Griffin said. Future drives will honor other active donors, he added.

Donors may show up between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. or schedule their donation by calling Missie Landry at 771-4425 or 782-7193.