Elon named top blood collector in area by Red Cross

Elon University was recognized as the top blood unit collector among other award winners at the 2009-2010 Annual Volunteer Banquet of the Piedmont Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross held at the chapter training room in December.

The Golden Heart Awards are presented to the top 10 sponsoring groups or organizations that successfully collect the most blood donations in the course of a year, said Rans Triplett, executive director of the Piedmont Carolina Chapter. This year, Elon University collected 408 pints of blood, making it the single biggest local sponsor for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Elon has now earned this top honor for nine consecutive years.

“The promotional work of Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement student leaders and collaborative efforts with the Red Cross staff makes this effort continue to be successful, and it could not be achieved without either,” Tammy Cobb, assistant director for community partnerships, said after accepting the award. “We thank the chapter staff for their efforts in supporting our drives. ”

Currently, the two coordinators for blood drives are Hannah Nelson and Dionne Richardson, and the director for blood drives is Aeriel Hall.

Other top productive blood unit leaders included Lab Corp with 355 units, Emmanuel UMC with 302 units and Alamance Regional Medical Center with 286 units. Additional awards included The Exceptional Volunteer of the Year and Service Area Awards in Blood services, Emergency Services, Military Services, Health & Safety Services and Certificates of Appreciation to board member committee chairs including Cobb, who served as a audit chair.

The next campus blood drive is Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 10-3:30 in McKinnon Hall. Sign up to donate blood for the Winter Blood Drive sponsored by Elon Volunteers!, Kappa Alpha Order and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.

To reserve a time, go to redcrossblood.org with sponsor code 1428 or email blooddrive@elon.edu