NSA Crane Gives the Gift of Life, Surpasses 1,000 Blood Donations in 2011

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY Crane, Ind. (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane and tenant commands finished an American Red Cross blood drive May 5.

More than 250 employees and service members on the base came out to donate blood, giving a total of 281 units for the American Red Cross.

The drive brought annual donations at Crane to 1,013 units, the second largest in the state of Indiana.

Giving back to the community has always been a priority for NSA Crane, and when it comes to giving blood NSA Crane and tenant commands have always met the goals set by the American Red Cross.

"Every two seconds somebody needs blood, and Crane is a major contributor to the blood supply here in Indiana," said Ashley Lesage, the Donor Recruitment Representative for the American Red Cross. "We collected 281 units this drive which was one unit more than the goal we had set. Crane is the number two donor in the state of Indiana, second only to Toyota, making them a very important part of the blood supply in Indiana."

The American Red Cross has many volunteers that come to NSA Crane to work the blood drives, such as volunteer Lynn Hawkins.

"I know I'm saving lives by helping here. I know the people giving blood are saving lives, and I know people whose lives have been saved by blood donation," explained Hawkins, she said.

"It's critical that we make sure the blood supply is steady. Crane is wonderful; they've had a long history of giving blood. The base commander, Cmdr. Paul Spohn, has been very helpful and we are just so happy for everyone's support."

NSA Crane employees and service members know how important it is to give blood, which is why it was no surprise to find people waiting to donate before the doors opened on the first day.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command employee Scott Williams was one of those individuals. He is a regular customer who understands the importance of giving blood.

"I know that there is always a need for blood. I think it's great that Crane does this drive, and I think it is the biggest one in Southern Indiana," Williams said.

The next blood drive for NSA Crane will take place July 12-14, with a goal of 300 units of blood. Team Crane will be ready to deliver those units, and hopefully more.

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