Community Corner

Red Cross Seeking Blood Donations In Coming Weeks

No official charities set up for the aftermath of the explosion at the Boston Marathon finish line yet.

After the explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon's Copley Square finish line yesterday, many readers have asked how they can help.

The Red Cross reports that they have enough blood donations and financial resources available for the current needs, but are requesting blood donations and blood drives in the coming weeks.

From the statement released by the Red Cross yesterday

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We also know that many people want to help. Thanks to the generosity of volunteer blood donors, there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet patient needs. The Red Cross also has the financial resources it needs to support this event right now. We are asking those who want to help to make an appointment to give blood in the coming weeks and months. They can do that by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Despite that, there are blood drives being set up in the area. The Needham Masonic Lodge is holding a blood drive on April 21. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The Salvation Army sent two canteen trucks and a number of volunteers to the scene yesterday. Support came in the form of food, emotional and spiritual support--as well as crisis counseling. According to a post on the Salvation Army blog, you can support their efforts by donating on their homepage

You can also follow the Salvation Army's updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Even though there are no official relief funds set up yet, pledges of support are already coming in.

New England Patriot Danny Amendola is already pledging to give money to any Marathon relief efforts set up in the coming weeks. According to NESN, tweeted a promise of $100 for any caught passes, and $200 for any he drops.

Twitter has already suspended an account claiming to give $1 to victims despite having no direct connection to the Marathon, but not before it earned more than 52,000 retweets, CBS Sacramento reports.


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