“Twenty years in 2020 – giving the gift of life.”
The theme is set for LifeStream Blood Bank and the Blood of the Martyrs Committee co-hosting the 20th Annual Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. beginning Monday, Jan. 20. Donors at Blood of the Martyrs blood drives receive a handy 2020 pocket calendar/planner.
“As was the case last year, Blood of the Martyrs’ drives will be held from the Federal holiday honoring Dr. King through April 4, coinciding with the anniversary of his death,” said Lois Carson, committee chairperson. Community blood drives hosted by Blood of the Martyrs Committee members on Monday, Jan. 20, follow:
Victorville: 15599 Ramona Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March.
San Bernardino: Coussoulis Arena at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway from 7 a.m. to noon in conjunction with the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast.
Committee members also are volunteering to join blood donors and outline the significance of the day at LifeStream’s Ontario Donor Center, 1959 E. Fourth St. (at Vineyard); and Riverside Donor Center, 4006 Van Buren Blvd. The Ontario location is open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on January 20; Riverside hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk-ins at all locations are welcome; to set an appointment, please call 1.800.879.4484 or go to LStream.org. All donors receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life donor loyalty points that may be redeemed in LifeStream’s online donor store. Participating community-based organizations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Ecclesia Community Church; Knights of Peter Claver- Ladies Auxiliary; Inland Empire Black Nurses; National Council of Negro Women; New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, San Bernardino; Sunrise Church. Banning; St. Anthony Catholic Church, San Bernardino and the Roberts Foundation, Riverside (Black History Parade).
LifeStream is an independent, local blood center that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals.
For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org