Severe weather leading to the cancellation of several blood drives and many people missing appointments has The American Red Cross Blood Services in the New York - Penn region calling for eligible donors to donate blood and build-up the regional blood supply.  Aggravating the losses, weather cancellations resulted in a drop of 1,600-units of Red Cross blood collection, with 530-blood units going uncollected over the weekend.  It is now asking donors to reschedule appointments, as soon as it is safe to travel.  As well, due to the cancellation of high school blood drives, which can’t be rescheduled before the year-end, Red Cross is encouraging eligible students to donate blood at local drives during the holiday break.
 
If, you are looking to donate blood, visit www.donatebloodnow.org for locating blood drives scheduled throughout the week.  Red Cross local donor centres will remain open on 24th December 24 at the following addresses:
 
Red Cross Donor Centre, 786 Delaware Ave. , Buffalo - 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Red Cross Blood Donor Centre, 5161 Camp Road , Hamburg - 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Red Cross Donor Centre, 4627 Transit Road , Williamsville - 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 
A perishable resource and with a limited shelf life of 42-days, it is important that blood inventories are regularly replenished, which means blood donations are necessary on an ongoing basis.  In order to maintain steady blood supplies, the Red Cross depends on the generosity of blood donors of all blood types.
 
Current and new donors are requested to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.donatebloodnow.org for scheduling an appointment.  The minimum age for blood is 17-years, minimum weight - 110 lbs. and be in general good health.  Sixteen-year-olds living in the New York and Pennsylvania are permitted to donate blood, as long as they bring an original signed Informed Parental Consent for 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood form, to the blood drive.
 
In addition, the Northeast Indiana American Red Cross of requires volunteers to man shelters, possibly through the weekend.  Those wishing to volunteer may call 484-9336 to sign up, of if they require more information.
 
According to The Red Cross, shelters will remain open as long as residents require their services.  The following Allen Country shelters will remain open:
•        Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. , Fort Wayne ;
•        South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun St. , Fort Wayne ;
•        Monroeville Fire Department, 205 South St. , Monroeville .
 
The American Red Cross shelter at the First United Methodist Church in Wabash is closed but remains on stand-by.  If necessary, you can call the Wabash office of the American Red Cross at 260-563-2658.
 
For donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund:
 
•        Call 260-484-9336 for phone donations.
•        Or, make a cheque payable to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 5508 , Fort Wayne , IN 46895 .  You can designate your contribution to the Northeast Indiana Ice Storms by indicating it in the memo line.
•        Or, you can make an online contribution at www.northeastin.redcross.org.
 
There following two blood donation centres are open in Fort Wayne :
•        1212 E. California Road (across from Memorial Coliseum): Open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
•        7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 (in the south lobby of Lutheran Hospital ): Open Monday and Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m.
 
For additional hours or to schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1-800-448-3543.