Commemorate 9/11 Day By Donating Blood: Red Cross

BOSTON, MA — On Sept. 11, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood or volunteer at donation centers in honor of those who lost their lives and of the heroic first-responders on 9/11.

The year 2016 marks 15 years since the two towers fell, and 14 years since 9/11 Day began in 2002. It is a day to do good works and volunteer in honor of the victims and the heroes from that tragic day.

Since 2002, writes the Red Cross, the observance 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 Congress in 2009. It was co-founded by Jay Winuk, who lost his brother Glenn in the Sept. 11 attacks. Glenn Winuk was an attorney at a downtown Manhattan law firm and volunteer firefighter and EMT who died in the line of duty, helping evacuate the south tower when it collapsed.

“The growth of this observance from a grassroots initiative into the nation’s largest day of charitable engagement speaks directly to the true compassionate nature of millions of Americans and our shared desire to focus on our common humanity,” Jay Winuk said in a Red Cross press release. “With its engagement in 9/11 Day, the Red Cross will make a significant impact, and we’re confident that blood donors, volunteers and organizations from coast-to- coast will answer this call for help while honoring the heroes of 9/11.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, so regular donations are needed. Blood and platelet donors of all types are urged to give, the Red Cross release said.

“The Red Cross is proud to support 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,” Donna Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in the release. “Giving the gift of life to someone else is a way to continue the healing process in the face of tragic circumstances most Americans couldn’t imagine before that day.”

Those who would like to observe 9/11 Day by donating blood or platelets in Boston can do so here:

• 9/11/2016: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way
• 9/12/2016: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center - West Campus, 190 Pilgrim
• Rd
• 9/15/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., One Financial Center, One Financial Center
• 9/16/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., J F K Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury St
• 9/7/2016: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Boston Police, 1 Schroeder Plaza

You can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

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