ATHENS-Two Limestone County based Relay for Life Teams are supporting a joint effort between the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society to provide the gift of life.
On Sept. 29, the County for a Cure Team and City of Athens Relay Team are supporting a Red Cross blood drive at the Beasley Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“There is not a better gift you can give someone than the gift of life,” said County for a Cure Captain Michelle Williamson. “This is a very special opportunity for our team to partner with some amazing people to make a difference in our community.”
Athens Relay Team Captain Holly Hollman said former Athens mayor and state representative Dan Williams, known as Mayor Dan, died from a form of leukemia in 2015.
“He had to have blood transfusions as part of his treatment, so we know firsthand the importance of giving blood not only to fight cancer but to support a community need,” Hollman said.
According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives, and every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
Chick-fil-A in Athens is helping sponsor the blood drive, which falls on National Coffee Day. Manager Matthew Kyle is donating coffee from Chick-fil-A for each donor. Kyle said the TRIVE Farmers hot coffee specialty-grade custom blend that will be featured at the event combines coffee beans grown in Central and South America. He said the beans will offer a flavor profile that features tasting notes of smooth caramel and a nutty finish.
To register as a donor, go online to schedule a time:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=cancersociety
Red Cross will make a monetary donation to the American Cancer Society that is based on the number of donors who participate.
