Roselle Lions host blood drive and free kids’ vision testing

Donations of blood slow during summer months. The Roselle Lions Club and Versiti Blood Centers have joined to combat this shortage with a late summer blood drive named “Stronger Together.” The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Roselle American Legion, 344 E. Maple. Every person donating blood will receive a $20 gift card simply by entering the code word SUMMER when registering.

Persons wishing to donate blood can sign up at tinyurl.com/Blood-Drive-8-23-25. They should be sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating blood. While pre-registration is preferred, walk-ins are also welcome.

Because school is starting in the area, the Lions are also providing vision screening for kids for free. The screening uses state-of-the-art equipment to test a child’s vision. If further testing is required, the Lions will provide a guide to assist parents in following up on the exam.

Since the stocks of blood are down in summertime every donation is critical and can make a lifesaving difference.

Every two seconds in America there is a patient with trauma, undergoing surgery or with conditions that require blood transfusions. A single blood donation can save up to three lives. Most blood types fall into one of the four major groups: A, B, AB, or O. However, some people have rare blood types that fall outside the major groups, and for these patients a more diverse blood supply is needed.

The Roselle Lions are committed to the Roselle community’s health though quarterly blood drives, attendance at health fairs, testing sight and hearing and supporting the local food pantry to fight hunger in the needy. More information about the club and its service can be found on Facebook or rosellelions.com.