Food and blood drive serves county, region

Apr 13, 2012 (The Reidsville Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A countywide food drive is taking place during April, and April 28 marks a countywide day of service highlighted by a food and blood drive.

The event was started by The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints on N.C. Highway 14, according to Chairman Blake Dawson.

The church wanted to hold a day of service, not just in Eden, but across the Southeast. Last year, the local church decided to do a food and blood drive, and Dawson said it blossomed from there.

Not only is the church working on the project, but countless businesses, civic organizations and other churches are also involved.

"Hundreds of hours of volunteer work go into this day," Dawson said.

A kickoff for the event will take place at 9 a.m. April 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints. Both city and county officials have been invited to participate and issue proclamations for the food drive.

During the kickoff, grocery bags will be issued to churches to send out with their members to collect food from family, friends and co-workers.

Dawson said organizers are hoping to collect 30,000 pounds of food this year. They brought in 20,000 pounds last year. Food can be dropped off at five locations: the Leaksville Moravian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints in Eden, Zion Baptist Church in Reidsville, First Baptist Church in Mayodan and the N.C. National Guard Armory in Wentworth.

The food will be distributed to seven food pantries throughout the county.

The blood drive, taking place April 28, has a goal of collecting 40 pints of blood. Last year, the event was able to collect 30 pints.

"With unemployment high in the county, there is a need for food and blood," Dawson said. "Both are things people may need, but you never know when." Dawson said people don't anticipate the loss of jobs and the sudden need for food. They also don't expect disaster to strike and the need for blood.

Those wishing to give blood or get involved in any way with the day of service are asked to contact Dawson at (336) 432-2843 or email him at blakedawson79@gmail.com.

Dawson said he wants everyone to get involved, especially the younger generations, because it's very rewarding. Dawsonsaid he is very grateful for everyone who is working to make this event a success.

"Our motto is, 'Blessings come to others who serve others,'" Dawsonsaid.

Eden, Reidsville, Madison, Mayodan and Stoneville have already issued proclamations marking April 28 as a countywide day of service.

The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints is located at 4715 N.C. Highway14, one-half mile south of Eden. The blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. April 28.

___ (c)2012 The Reidsville Review (Reidsville, N.C.) Visit The Reidsville Review (Reidsville, N.C.) at www.reidsvillereview.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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