December 2, 2009 > Donate blood: Give the gift of life Donate blood: Give the gift of life By Meenu Gupta Photos By Courtesy of Diana Allen Every time you donate blood, you help someone in need. A pint of blood can save three lives. Help make this year's Fremont Police Department's C.A.R.E.(Connect, Assist, Respond, Engage) unit blood drive a success. "With local blood banks still in short supply and one pint saving up to three lives we are gearing up again for a terrific drive," said Sandra Castellanos, Fremont Police C.A.R.E. volunteer. The first FPD C.A.R.E. Blood Drive was held on October 6, 2008 at the Main Library. "Optimistically our goal was 35 pints, we collected 70. We ended up having to turn walk-in's away, as Red Cross was not staffed for such a turn-out," said Castellanos. The Red Cross was thrilled with the outcome and this was noted as being an extremely successful Blood Drive, a true community event. Fremont Police C.A.R.E. volunteers solicited raffle donations from local restaurants and establishments. Every donor received not only a prize but enjoyed food and beverages from Chipotle, Los Cabos, Noah's and Starbucks. The second annual blood drive will be hosted on Monday, December 14 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Fremont Main Library in the Fukaya Room, for the American Red Cross. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.helpsavealife.org, and the sponsor code is: POLICE. On-line sign ups will be taken first. The need is immense, donors with Type O blood are especially needed. All presenting donors will be able to enter a drawing for raffle prizes. Last year, almost everyone was able to walk away with an item that had been donated by community members and businesses. "We have at least 120 slots to fill this year," said Castellanos. "This year we have set the goal for 100 pints, and Red Cross is staffing to accommodate that goal." C.A.R.E. members have received donations from many local establishments such as Dale Hardware, City Beach, Suju's, Starbucks, Mission Coffee, La Pinata, Claim Jumper, Olive Garden and many more. Blood donors will recoup by enjoying treats donated by PJ bagels, Lloyds, Chipolte, Starbucks, Vienna Bakery and Sweet Orchid will be there to serve gelato. The main goal is not only 100 pints but to have an event that inspires community and police partnerships. We will have information and C.A.R.E. volunteers available to answer questions about FPD car seat program, crime prevention and more. If a business would like to donate merchandise, food or gift cards for the Blood Drive Raffle please contact Sandra Castellanos at smhc88@comcast.net or (510) 910-3465. Questions can also be left on the C.A.R.E. volunteer phone line at (510) 790-6756. Blood Drive Monday, December 14 Noon - 6 p.m. Fremont Police department C.A.R.E Unit Fukaya Room Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 790-6756 www. helpsavealife.org