The kickoff event for this year’s University of Arkansas homecoming activities is the annual humanitarian effort to collect blood from campus donors. The students are hoping to collect 850 pints of blood with an additional 200 pints from Alumni drives. Known as a center of excellence, the University of Arkansas is found across the globe as graduates utilize their education and the experiences of their time at the University of Arkansas. The love of the “Hogs” is very real and calling the “Hogs” is truly the Call Heard ‘Round the World. Many have donated blood in support of this special effort and we hope to continue this grand tradition in 2010 with another successful effort to meet the needs of patients needing blood right now.
The Homecoming drive is a two-day event for parents, guests, students and staff. Hours are Noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20th and Thursday, Oct. 21st. The location of the blood drive is the HPER complex, 155 N Stadium Dr., Fayetteville, AR. Look for signs around campus directing you. Those presenting to donate blood will receive a “Call Heard ‘Round the World” t-shirt. This year the 2010 homecoming football game pits the Arkansas Razorbacks against the Vanderbilt Commodores. These limited edition Blood Drive shirts are always popular game-day attire and a special keepsake for all Razorback fans.
In an effort to invite alumni to be a bigger part of Homecoming, we encourage alumni & friends to support the 2010 Homecoming Alumni Blood Drives. Please consider donating and spreading the word. This year, students will compete with Alumni to see who has more school spirit! Everyone who attempts to donate will receive the official, limited-edition 2010 Homecoming t-shirt.
All alumni and friends are asked to turn out in support of this special student led activity. Alumni drives are located throughout the state.
“Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood,” said Walt Coleman, UA alumnus, NFL official and Board Chairman of the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks – Arkansas Blood Region. “It is so important to understand that their single donation can help save the lives of three people. I cannot thank the students, staff and supporters of the U of A enough for their support.”
“Approximately 75 Red Cross staff members and a small army of volunteers will be working to insure a safe and efficient operation,” said Korey Fiddner, Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the blood drive. Planning and coordinating the drive with the UA Student Alumni Board and additional support from U of A volunteer groups and the Department of Intramural/Recreational Sports has taken months of hard work, she added, complimenting the students and campus leadership for their dedication to the annual homecoming event. Donors wishing to schedule an appointment may visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code UAFAY. Appointments are a great benefit in moving quickly through the donation process.
Among area hospitals the Red Cross supports with blood products are the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. These nationally recognized teaching hospitals are utilized by patients from across the region for cutting edge care. They rely on donated blood and platelets for surgeries, burn care, cancer treatment and so much more.
Please help us save lives by being a part of the 2010 Homecoming Blood Drives.
