The American Red Cross is partnering with 9/11 Day to offer individuals a chance to help others and commemorate the events of Sept. 11 by giving blood or platelets or volunteering their time with the Red Cross.
The 9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, it has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009. Each year tens of millions of people observe the day by performing acts of service and good deeds.
For Shiawassee County, a special blood drive tied to 9/11 will be noon to 5:45 p.m. Sept. 9 at Kim’s Dance Studio, 1085 E. M-21, Owosso. Persons who would like to observe the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by donating blood or platelets are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood by contacting the Red Cross.
“This annual observance increasingly resonates with people with each passing year, for the benefit of countless people and communities in need, and that’s surely gratifying,” said Jay S. Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day. “Those who participate are making a real difference. The Red Cross is an ideal partner to engage people to step forward, and we’re confident that blood donors, volunteers and organizations will answer this call for help while honoring the heroes of 9/11.”
Winuk lost his brother Glenn in the 9/11 attacks. Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney with Holland & Knight in downtown Manhattan, served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for almost 20 years. After helping evacuate the Holland & Knight law offices where he was a partner, he raced to the nearby World Trade Center’s south tower to help with rescue efforts. He died when that tower collapsed – a borrowed first-response medical kit was found by his side.
Blood donors of all types – especially those with types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative – and platelet donors are encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to patients of any blood type. It is often used to treat trauma patients and is always in demand by hospitals.
“The Red Cross is proud to partner with 9/11 Day and empower members of our communities to give blood and volunteer to commemorate this anniversary while making a profound contribution to community preparedness,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Giving the gift of life to someone else is a way to continue the healing process in the face of tragic circumstances Americans couldn’t imagine before that day.”
