Red Cross recognizes donors

Continuing a tradition of an annual proclamation given by every president of the United States since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, George W. Bush recently issued a proclamation declaring March as Red Cross Month.

Red Cross Month is a time set aside to recognize those who volunteer their time in the spirit of "neighbor helping neighbor."

In honor of Red Cross Month, the Red Cross is celebrating 43 regional "Blood Donors of the Decade." Donors of the Decade are blood donors who have given blood at least six times a year, every year, for 10 years.

Among the donors are William Dannebrock of Getzville, Lawrence Finkelstein of Amherst and Larry Saltarella of Williamsville.

Each day, 1,200 units of blood must be collected throughout the region to meet the needs of area hospitals. Without blood donors this would not be possible, as there is no substitute for blood.

The Red Cross urges all current eligible and new blood donors to schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting www.DonateBloodNow. org or by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

People who are 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to give blood.