Tuesday's editorial praises the efforts of blood drives and the United Way Day of Caring.
More than 550 Grand Strand residents volunteered their time and blood for two important area agencies, the S.C. Blood Services Region of the Red Cross and United Way of Horry County.
Blood donors for a two-day drive after the Labor Day weekend and volunteers last week for the 10th annual Day of Caring are but two examples of the ways area residents have stepped up various acts of giving as nonprofit organizations across the region struggle to serve more people in need.
Both the blood drive and Day of Caring work are examples of giving that does not cost volunteers an outlay of cash, although one might imagine that many of those generous with their time also give financial support.
The two-day blood drive, sponsored by The Sun News, WMBF News and the Red Cross, set a record for Grand Strand blood drives. Amy King, donor recruitment supervisor for the Blood Services Region, said the two-day blood drive attracted an ``amazing turnout'' at Broadway at the Beach. Donors gave 340 pints of blood -- ``the largest number ever collected in a Grand Strand drive.'' The drive had a goal of 300 units, set after the success of a similar drive in March where the previous record of 273 units were donated.
Day of Caring volunteers -- nearly 240 in all -- worked at several United Way agencies on Friday, but the main focus was at Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach on Mr. Joe White Avenue, moving the pantry into larger quarters. More space was created in a former thrift store and 10 to 15 other volunteers did remodeling
work earlier.
Community Kitchen is in the same building and Day of Caring volunteers at the Community Kitchen included Bruce Kohler, 57, a homeless man who often eats there and says he does what he can to help in appreciation for the help the service provides for many people, including daily meals for 250 to 300.
Day of Caring officially started the United Way campaign to raise $1.4 million for 37 agencies. The goal is $75,000 less than last year _ recognition of the continuing overall weak economy.
As research economist Don Schunk of Coastal Carolina University puts it, the recession ``hasn't ended for all the people in Horry County and South Carolina who are without jobs.''
It surely is painful for United Way directors and leaders to set a lower goal -- the practical, realistic action -- knowing that the needs are greater than ever. The 37 United Way agencies provided help with basic needs for 118,634 people in Horry County in 2008.
King, of the Red Cross Blood Services Region, says, ``The need for blood is constant.'' This region supplies blood components for patients in 54 S.C. hospitals.
Donors may give blood every eight weeks (56 days) and may make appointments by phoning 1-800-448-3543 (GIVE LIFE). That center can tell you the location and date of a blood drive or schedule an appointment at the donor center on 79th Avenue North in Myrtle
Beach.
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