By Jenni Walker

One of my favorite holiday traditions is participating in Community Blood Center of the Carolinas’ annual Puppies for Patients program.

For the past 14 years, blood donors have joined with CBCC to give the priceless gift of life-saving blood while bringing joy to pediatric patients staying in our area hospitals during the holiday season.

You too can be part of this special tradition. All presenting donors at CBCC’s donation centers and mobile blood drives now through Dec. 31 will have the opportunity to sign a gift tag that will then be attached to a stuffed toy puppy. CBCC will deliver those tagged puppies to children in area hospitals – including Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital – and care facilities to brighten their holidays. 

“Every day, selfless donors give the gift of lifesaving blood to thousands of local patients in need. Our annual Puppies for Patients program is a wonderful opportunity to directly connect donors with the brave children spending their holidays in the hospital,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “None of what we do is possible without the support of donors and sponsors in our community. They are the real heroes that save lives and bring smiles to local pediatric patients during the holiday season.”

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is the local nonprofit blood center and the primary blood supplier to the region’s hospitals. It relies on local organizations to host blood drives and volunteer blood donors to maintain an adequate blood supply for local patients. 

Our local hospitals transfuse about 400 blood products each day so the need for blood never stops. Furthermore, cancer patients are the No. 1 recipients of blood. This is a wonderful opportunity for the 24 Foundation community to further help impact those affected by cancer who need our life-saving blood and for the sweet kids and families who need an extra dose of joy this holiday season. Contact CBCC today to schedule your blood donation appointment. 

How You Can Get Involved

Anyone in generally good health, at least 16 years of age, and who weighs at least 120 pounds is eligible to donate blood. Businesses, churches, organizations and schools interested in hosting a blood drive can call Kim Jones 704-972-4727. Those interested in donating blood can do so at a community blood drive or at one of CBCC’s donor centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Hickory or the new Isabella Santos Center in Ballantyne. 

To make an appointment at any center or mobile drive, visit www.cbcc.us or call 1-888-59BLOOD. 

Stay Connected with CBCC

Follow Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter, on Instagram https://instagram.com/cbccarolinas/ and on Twitter www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.