Blood drive, fundraiser set for two Donora residents
A blood drive and fundraiser is being held this weekend to benefit two Donora residents who are battling serious health conditions.
The Alyssa Duck and Rena Alford Replenishment Blood Drive will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18 in the Donora Borough Building banquet hall.
Blood donors are reminded to prepare for their donation by eating well and staying hydrated. They are also asked to bring identification that day.
Appointments can be made by calling the Central Blood Bank at 866-366-6771 or Sheree McWlliams at 412-230-6621.
“We will have times set up for them,” McWilliams said. “We will also take in walk ins.”
A flea market will also be held.
Tables for the flea market, which will include vendors and antiques, are $15 each. Fifteen percent of sales will be donated to Alford and Alyssa’s family to help with medical and household bills.
The blood drive and fundraiser is being organized by Strive for Better Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization to benefit children in the community.
Youth from Kidz Got Talent, a new program created by Strive for a Better Tomorrow to encourage creative arts, will sell such items as jewelry, paintings and drawings which they created. They are being encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the cause.
Chantal Bey, founder of Strive for a Better Tomorrow, said she met Alford when she volunteered for a free lunch program, even as she was battling breast cancer.
“She is an amazing woman,” Bey said. “Even when she was going through chemo last summer, she helped with our summer lunch program.
“Even when she’s in pain she raises people’s spirits up. She wants to be an inspiration. Although suffering, she has the Lord’s strength to carry her through.”
Alyssa, who just turned 6, is battling stage II kidney disease. She said event organizers are trying to raise funds to help Alyssa get tested for a kidney match.
“She is a diamond in the rough,’ Bey said. “She loves to do anything to make someone’s life better.”