Tyler

By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer

Blood donors are getting something a little larger than a cookie -- assuming they don't chicken out.

For the second year, Sam Greenberg, company president of Greenberg Smoked Turkeys, arranged for Carter BloodCare to conduct a blood drive with donors receiving free turkeys.

Last year, at the first turkey blood drive, the center anticipated collecting 20 to 25 units of blood during the one-day drive, but the estimates were a little off.

By 10 a.m. more than 30 people were waiting in line to give blood. The drive was extended and in the end more than 700 units of blood was collected, saving about 2,100 lives.

"We had no idea that was going to happen," Robert Baker, Carter BloodCare operations manager for donor recruitment for northeast Texas, said.

Baker said this year, they are much more organized.

Blood drives are being held in two locations, at the Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., and Greenberg's, 221 McMurrey Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and at the Harvey Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at Greenburg's from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

This year, Carter BloodCare hopes see 800 to 1,000 donors during the three-day drive.

As of noon on Monday, the blood center collected a little more than 100 units of blood from the Harvey Convention Center.

Representatives said that the holiday season is the most difficult time of year for blood collection centers. From Thanksgiving to New Year's, donations decrease and the demand for blood increases.

"Everyone has things going on with all of the holiday events and parties, and many of our regular donors are out of town," Baker said. "There is no substitute for human blood. From whole blood, we are able to get red blood cells, platelets and plasma, so we rely on the generosity of our volunteer donors."

Tim Barrick, of Ben Wheeler, said he didn't know about the turkey giveaway when he signed up to give blood Monday afternoon. Barrick, an employee with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, said he sees the number of accidents increase during the holidays and tries to give blood around this time of year.

"There is a need and I want to help meet that need," he said. "Everyone should donate."

Sylvia Sable, of Tyler, said she waited for more than an hour last year to give blood. This year, at Harvey Convention Center, she was out of the building with a turkey in less than an hour.

Half of her turkey will go to a friend in need.

"There is a lot of philanthropy going on. It's an altruistic act to come out and donate anyway, even if there is a turkey involved. (The turkey) makes it all the better," Baker said.

The average donation takes less than an hour, and each donor can help up to three people during with the blood.

Johnnie Ware, a Tyler nurse, said she gives blood regularly because she sees first hand how it can save lives.

"I've passed the four gallon mark on giving blood," she said.

Her recommendation for first-time donors is to eat before they donate and to think of all the people they are helping if the thought of being stuck with a needle scares them.

"Don't think of the pain. Think of what you are giving in return. It's just a prick and then it's gone. You could be saving someone's life," Ms. Ware said.

Everyone who is at least 17 years old, in relatively good health and weighs more than 110 pounds is eligible to donate.

For more information about the Greenberg Turkey Drive or to learn more about blood donations visit carterbloodcare.org or call 903-363-0400.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. CST

Billy Collins of Tyler (foreground) prepares to donate blood at the Harvey Convention Center Monday. Donors will receive a smoked turkey from Greenberg Smoked Turkeys for giving the precious gift of life.
(Staff photo by Jaime R. Carrero)