Editor, Times-Union: As we approach the month of May, the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross is putting out our "help wanted" sign! We need blood donors for our upcoming blood drives that will be held in several locations across our county, and I am hoping that many residents of our county will be "good neighbors" in May and become a first-time blood donor!
I want to extend a very special thank-you to those donors who regularly donate at our blood drives! They represent a very dedicated group of individuals and we deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment! We need new first-time donors, because unfortunately, history shows that only 30 percent of first-time donors return to become repeat donors. During the first three months of 2005, our blood donors provided 439 units of blood. However, this is 192 units less than collected during the same period in 2004! Therefore you can understand our request for "help wanted: need blood donors!"
During May, residents will have the opportunity to donate blood in accordance with the following schedule: May 3, Tippecanoe Valley High School*, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 5, Syracuse United Methodist Church, 2 to 7 p.m.; May 10, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 31, North Webster American Legion, 3 to 7 p.m. (*Indicates drive is closed to the public.)
It is very gratifying to be a part of the Red Cross in Kosciusko County, and to experience the support of hundreds of resident donors who faithfully participate in our blood services program. Our chapter is blessed with wonderful volunteers who also participate each month in hosting our blood drives, providing registration and coordination services and caring for the technicians and staff who draw the blood!
I hope you will seriously consider donating blood during May. Please call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-440-3543) and schedule an appointment to donate blood. Of course, you are always welcome to walk-in at all public drives.
Your gift can save a life - quite possibly several lives! Thank you for your generous support!
Larry E. Peppel Executive Director American Red Cross Kosciusko County Chapter
Gas Prices
Editor, Times-Union: A few years ago there were a few people who in their travels around northern Indiana would notice the price of gas at various stations and report back to Warsaw via the letters in the Times-Union. I think it's about time we start that practice again.
Three weeks ago I was in Fort Wayne, gas was $2.08. Warsaw was $2.28. Two weeks ago in Plymouth gas was $2.11. Warsaw was $2.26. Last Sunday in Plymouth gas was $2.02. Warsaw was $2.29. Come on now, is our gas REALLY that much better than in other towns?
I think if we stop buying gas from the Warsaw oil cartel and shop in other towns for gas, maybe we can bring down the price of gas in Warsaw. 27 cents a gallon difference is shameful and outrageous.
