University Recreation to House Annual Alumni Association Red Cross Blood Drive

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2012 Homecoming Blood Drive in the HPER building

The University of Arkansas Student Alumni Association is partnering with the American Red Cross to host their annual blood drive from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 2 and 3, at the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Building. 

"It's an annual event that we are excited to be hosting again," said Daniel McFarland, vice president of the student alumni board and homecoming director. "The UA homecoming blood drive officially began in 2010, as a competition for homecoming events, and continues each year to be a successful event.  Last year there were 1300 units of blood donated and we are confident the number of units will continue to grow this year."

"Last year's homecoming blood drive was a huge success," said Alex Rich, university recreation facility coordinator. "University Recreation is proud to serve as the host facility for this event. We admire the efforts of the American Red Cross staff, homecoming committee, and student volunteers for the time and energy they put in to this event."

Volunteering goes far beyond donating blood, it takes a large crew of people to coordinate such an immense event. "We are still searching for volunteers to help facilitate the blood drive," said McFarland. "Interested individuals can go to volunteer.uark.edu and sign up to help out at the event." 

The blood drive is open to the public and those interested in donating can attend the event or make an appointment at redcrossblood.org.