As we enter into the season of giving, there’s no better time to make a difference in your community. Appropriately, Fairway of the Carolinas recently had the opportunity to host a blood drive in conjunction with a food drive. Find out how many people participated in Fairway of the Carolinas blood drive and how many people we were fortunate enough to help.
What happened
Held on Friday, November 12 at our Blakeney office in South Charlotte, the Fairway of the Carolinas blood drive resulted in 21 people giving the gift of blood. Three of those 21 people donated two units of red blood cells, bringing the total number of units collected to 24. The blood was expected to be transfused into as many as 72 patients in area hospitals within 48 to 72 hours. From the food drive portion of the event, we received generous donations of over 600 food items, equalling out to 582 pounds of food, that went to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
Of course, Fairway of the Carolinas is no stranger to blood drives. In late July, we likewise collected 24 units of blood from caring donors. The July blood drive was the second Fairway of the Carolinas blood drive in four months.
What they said
As with other blood drives, we were privileged earlier this month to team with OneBlood. This non-profit organization offers safe and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital partners and their patients in Charlotte and other areas in the Southeast. OneBlood distributes nearly one million blood products each year and runs more than 80 donor centers. The organization also deploys nearly 200 of its familiar Big Red Buses throughout its service area.
Among those who gave the gift of blood at November’s Fairway of the Carolinas blood drive were Fairway of the Carolinas loan officers Jeff Reeves and Melanie Bundy. “What a great opportunity working with my Fairway family to help give back during the blood drive,” Reeves said. “Even though I’m terrified of needles, it made it worth it when a few days later I received an email from OneBlood letting me know my blood has already helped someone at Atrium in Charlotte. And the lunch waiting for me coming out of the bus made the day! Thank you, Fairway, for all you do!”
Bundy was equally enthusiastic. “Volunteering with the American Red Cross is something I look forward to,” she said. “Knowing that I have the ability to give to others in this way is special. Thank you, Fairway, for putting this together so that we bless the community!”
Final thought
Fairway of the Carolinas provided plenty to eat and drink for those who donated food or blood. There was “Forte Legato Coffee” for breakfast and a “Nacho Average Food Truck” for lunch. We are so very thankful for every person who participated in November’s blood drive and food drive. Keep your eyes open for details on the next drive, likely coming in January 2022.
