Manassas Park Firefighters, Red Cross Host Blood Drive

Manassas Park firefighters are encouraging residents to come to their station Tuesday and give blood for a good cause—helping their neighbors.

 The firefighters, who are a part of the International Firefighters Association, are teaming up with the Red Cross to host the blood drive from 2 to 8 p.m. at 9080 Manassas Drive.

 The hours for the drive are convenient because it begins in the afternoon and people still have time to stop by after work and give blood, Manassas Park Fire Lt. Joe Neiberger said.

 “This is about the fourth year for our blood drive … every time we’ve done it we’ve exceed our previous draws,” Neiberger said.

 There is a screening process for giving blood and people who haven’t donated in a long time may want to stop by and see how the process has changed, he said.

 For example, people who frequently travel are often under the impression that they can’t give blood, but that isn’t necessarily true, he said.

 On-duty firefighters, however, can’t give blood.

 After giving blood, there is a time frame where you can’t be too active, Neiberger said.  But many Manassas Park firefighters live in communities other than Manassas Park and choose to donate at home when they are not working. 

On-duty Manassas Park firefighters will be giving up their beds Tuesday during the drive, so donors can rest just after giving blood.

 Most of the donated blood stays in the community and goes to local hospitals to help local people, he said.

 “It really is neighbors helping neighbors,”  Neiberger said.

 Each donor will receive six free chocolate-dipped fruit pieces, compliments of Edible Arrangements.

 They will also receive a Red Cross shirt.

 For more information about the blood drive, call 800-Red Cross.