Calling all eligible blood donors! Community Blood Center (CBC) has issued an urgent call for healthy blood donors, as the need for blood has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low. When Starlight’s vice president of community engagement, Barb Schulte, heard this—she knew Starlight could help.
“While we are unable to hold live events at this time, we are pleased to be able to open Starlight’s doors for such an important cause,” Schulte said. “This is one small thing that our Swope Park community can do to show support during the coronavirus pandemic, and we encourage everyone to join us on July 16.”
Schulte first started the conversation with CBC about hosting a blood drive at Starlight last summer, when she donated at the Kansas City Zoo’s blood drive. When she reached out this June, the stars (and schedules!) aligned. Starlight is inviting other organizations in the Swope Park area to participate, too.
“As hospitals have resumed their operations, it’s imperative that the local blood supply is able to sustain them. Our local hospitals are counting on the generosity of our communities to step up and meet this need,” Kim Peck, senior executive director of Community Blood Center, said.
The blood drive will be held in the Applause Club at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64132, on Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Applause Club is located on the east side of Starlight and can be accessed via Gate 8. Parking is available curbside and in the zoo’s Zebra and Cheetah parking lots.
Donors are asked to wear a face mask to their donation or one will be provided to them upon arrival. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and walk-ins will only be accepted if capacity allows. Appointments can be made online at savealifenow.org/group and enter Group Code: EG9Z, or call 1-877-468-6844.
