South Washington County, MN – Friends in Need Food Shelf and Memorial Blood Centers are teaming up to collect lifesaving resources for people in need. On
October 23, community members can support two critical needs through one drive.
First, blood donors are urgently needed. After two blood shortage emergencies were declared this summer, the need remains critical. Fewer donations make it
harder for hospitals to treat trauma patients, cancer patients, surgical patients, and others who depend on blood every day. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it an especially meaningful time to donate and help ease the nationwide shortage. Sign up to donate on October 23 between 11:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at mbc.org/searchdrives using code 5342.
The second need is food and other essential items. During the blood drive, donations of non-expired, non-perishable food, paper goods, toiletries, and cash will be accepted. All donations will help the one in five Minnesota households facing food insecurity.1 According to Feeding America, 676,920 Minnesotans face hunger, including 207,830 children. At Friends in Need alone, we support nearly 300 households each week, totaling almost 15,000 visits each year.
Both needs are urgent. Sign up for Two Needs – One Drive and double the impact by helping improve the lives of people in need throughout our community.
In conjunction with Two Needs – One Drive, FiN will be hosting a Free Community Wellness Fair in partnership with Metro State’s College of Nursing and Health Science. If unable to donate blood, community members can still stop by for free blood pressure checks, and tips on leading a healthy lifestyle.