Letter to the Editor

Your View 1/16: Give blood

Thursday, January 16, 2003

Have you ever felt like you were created for a specific purpose? Perhaps you have a desire to make a difference with your life and in the lives of others. Maybe you have been blessed with good health and yearned to do "something" for those less fortunate.

For those of you who give the gift of life, that is exactly the "something" that literally changes lives. There is nothing you could do that would make such an impact as to save someone's life.

On behalf of the American Red Cross, I would like to thank all of you who made a difference by giving blood at our community blood drive on Dec. 30. This was a record drive! We not only met our goal, but exceeded it, all because you chose to make a difference.

We would like to thank Teresa Braden at Dominos and Leonard Spicer at Ryan's for donating refreshments to give to the donors. Thanks also to Mike Bollinger and the Rotary Club for sponsoring and supporting every blood drive.

If you are seeking to give back to your community, and your heart goes out to those sick, needing transfusions or surgeries, please consider giving the most precious gift of all, your blood. I would like to encourage you to join us at the Sikeston Factory Outlet mall for the KFVS Heartland Blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday; 3 to 8 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

If I can be of assistance or if you have any questions, please call me at 472-1565. I will be looking forward to seeing you.

Remember, sometimes making a difference involves sacrifice, and giving blood not only changes lives - it gives life.

Freida Cardwell American Red Cross