12th Annual Charles Westendorff Memorial Blood Drive

From the Red Cross:

On Saturday, January 21, 2012, the 12th Annual Charles Westendorff Memorial American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Charles’ son and daughter-in-law Bob and Barbara Westendorff will be held at the New Life Church, 262 Bee Street in Meriden from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Fifteen years ago on January 25, 1997, Charles was stabbed to death in his Meriden home at the age of 69. Charles Westendorff is remembered as a giving person in the New Life Church community.

“Although my father never could donate blood himself, he always encouraged me to give blood to help others,” Bob Westendorff said.

Two years after Charles died Bob sponsored the first Charles Westendorff Memorial Blood drive at the Calvary Baptist Church (today’s New Life Church) to continue
his father’s tradition of community service. Since then, the Charles Westendorff Memorial Blood Drives have collected almost 1,000 units of blood, potentially helping up to 3,000 patients with serious medical needs.

“My father is still helping people through these blood drives,” stated Bob Westendorff.

“We are grateful to the family of Charles Westendorff and those who support the 12th Annual Charles Westendorff Memorial Blood Drive in January, National Blood Donor Month,” stated Paul Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross - Connecticut Blood Services Region. “Thanks to generous blood donors and those who donate blood in memory of Charles Westendorff, patients in Connecticut hospitals can be helped.”

Bob Westendorff encourages members of the community to donate blood on Saturday, January 21st and help the Red Cross collect at least 75 units of blood in Charles’ memory.

Patients need blood every day, including during the winter season when blood donations often decrease. Every two
seconds, someone in this country needs blood. On average, 44,000 blood donations are needed each day to help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many
others.

As a special thank-you to donors, for the fifth year in a row, Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee* to all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut during the month of January. The campaign is in celebration of National Blood Donor Month and helps
increase awareness about the need for blood.

Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate.

*Coupons are redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations. Coupons are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.