RUTLAND, Vt. -
Big changes for Vermont's largest blood drive.
The Gift of Life will be collecting blood in Rutland on Tuesday, December 18th. The marathon blood drive is once again trying to break the national record for the most pints donated in a one-day. community drive. Last year long lines prevented the group from making its goal. So this year donors will need to make an appointment at one of the four Rutland locations.
"Some people waited 2, 3 even 4 hours in some cases. And we know we had a lot of people leave because they couldn't wait. So we've tried to make it as much of an all appointment even as we would while still leaving a little room for people who can't make a specific time," said event organizer Steve Costello.
Walk-ins will be accepted at the Paramount theater. The Red Cross has more than doubled its staff on donation day to help serve more donors. Organizers aim to collect 1,969 pints to break the national record. Staff are encouraging donors to check eligibility requirements before signing up.
To make an appointment:
www.giftoflifemarathon.com
www.redcrossblood.org
Donation locations:
The College of St. Josephs
Rutland Elks Club
Rutland American Legion
The Paramount Theater -- only walk-in location
