Annual Fallen Officer Blood Drive slated for June 1 in Whitley County
By Amanda Banks
Throughout the month of June, the American Red Cross will participate in the statewide Fallen Officer Blood Drive campaign.
This is the third year for the campaign in which the American Red Cross will host blood drives across the state of Indiana to honor those who serve and protect our communities.
In Whitley County, observance of this special blood drive is planned for Monday, June 1, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at City Hall, located at 112 S. Chauncey St. in Columbia City. This blood drive is sponsored by City Hall and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department.
Janice Starnes, whose husband Sergeant Daniel Starnes was killed in the line of duty in 2001, now organizes the annual Indiana Fallen Officer Blood Drive. She has high hopes for community participation in this year’s campaign.
“In 2008, we successfully held a Fallen Office blood drive in every county in the state. I hope to repeat that achievement this year and collect over 5,000 pints of blood,” said Starnes.
Starnes, along with many other fallen officer survivors, takes great pride in the Fallen Office Blood Drive.
“The blood drive campaign honors the sacrifices made by our fallen officers and helps ensure that the blood supply is strong, just like our officers,” Starnes said.
Help honor the sacrifices made by fallen officers as well as those who continue to protect and serve in their communities by donating blood at the following blood drive. All presenting donors will be entered into a regional June drawing for a grill package worth $1,000. The package includes a $500 Lowe’s gift card for the purchase of a grill and a $500 gift certificate to Omaha Steaks.
Please call 248-5121, option 2, to schedule your blood donation appointment.