Preston Loyd

Davidson College and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a blood drive in honor of Preston Loyd of Mooresville at the Davidson Wildcats’ Nov. 13 homecoming football game against San Diego.  Donors will get a free ticket to the game.

The blood drive will happen in the Wildcat Fan Zone tailgating area next to Richardson Stadium between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Appointments are available at www.cbcc.us/donate. (Use the code “davidsoncat.”)

Preston Loyd was severely injured in 2009 when he was run over by a lawn mower. Over the past year, his recovery has inspired a variety of blood drives and fund-raisers in the area and among athletes. He is the son of Ashton Loyd, a 1992 Davidson graduate.

PUPPIES FOR PATIENTS

CHARLOTTE – The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) today launched its Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program that will run through December 31, 2010.

Donors who give blood in the months of November and December will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals this holiday season. One local children’s hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more than 200 platelets each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local patients, many of them children.

“We have touched the lives of more than 6,000 children with stuffed animal puppies over the past five years and are excited about continuing this very special tradition,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “Not only is this about our community coming together to save local lives, but being able to bring smiles and comfort to children in our local hospitals during the holidays.”

For businesses, churches and organizations interested in hosting a blood drive in November and December, there is still time to sign up with CBCC. Call 704-972-4700 for more details on sponsoring a blood drive or donating blood.

– Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

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