Thanks to a group of house officers’ spouses, those who donate during Thursday’s blood drive at the Center for Healthy Living (CFHL) will do their good deeds in a tropical atmosphere.
A palm-tree backdrop, blended fruit drinks — virgin of course — and raffles with prizes such as gift certificates from Travel and Transport and Margarita Magic will be featured during the drive, which runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CFHL’s Student Life Center.
“This is the first time a volunteer group has provided such support for one of our drives,” said Peter Pellerito of the Center for Healthy Living. “From setting up the backdrop, to rounding up gift certificates, to securing a margarita maker, this group really has gone all out for this.
“They’re turning the Center for Healthy Living into a little oasis!”
Thanks to spouses’ group, the drive also will feature bagels from Panera Bread and sandwich platters from Jimmy John’s to go along with the usual Red Cross-supplied goodies, Pellerito said.
Several donation spots are still available for the drive, he said, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon.
“We really looking for some people to step up and fill those middle spots,” Pellerito said.
UNMC’s goal for the drive is 66 units of blood.
The Red Cross has an electronic scheduling system that will be used for this drive. Those wishing to donate can schedule appointments for the drive at http://givebloodgivelife.org.
Participants can find the UNMC drive by first clicking on our region and then entering the UNMC drive sponsor code — which is 1199 — or by entering an Omaha Zip code (68198) and scrolling down to the UNMC drive on Sept. 20.
Those experiencing problems with the Web site can call Pellerito at 559-5253.
“We’ve never had a blood drive like this here at UNMC,” Pellerito said. “We are very appreciative of the house officer’s spouses for their support. It should be a fun atmosphere for people to participate in a good cause.”