FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Regina Raccuglia, Communications Manager (615) 330-9819

RED CROSS HOLDS BLOOD DRIVE IN MEMORY OF LOCAL RESIDENT RALPH M. SONNY HUGHES JR.

(NASHVILLE, Tenn. January 10, 2013) The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in memory of Waynesboro resident Ralph M. Sonny Hughes Jr. on Thursday, January 24. The drive will be held at the Waynesboro Church of Christ at 304 Hassell St. from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During his 82 years on this earth, Sonny touched countless lives throughout the community. He felt there were no finer people than the residents in Wayne County, said Sonnys son, Bob Haggard. Our community will miss him for years to come. Sonny was a regular blood donor throughout his life and believed donating blood to the American Red Cross was one small way to make a big impact for those in need. Sonny was passionate about donating blood and helping others because that was his attitude about life in general, said Haggard. It didnt concern him at all to roll his sleeves up and lie on the bed and get it done to help others. In fact, Sonny would even allow employees to leave work to donate blood if thats what worked best for their schedule. It was that important to him.

The American Red Cross is proud to honor the life and legacy of Sonny Hughes on January 24. To schedule an appointment for this blood drive call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org/make-donation Were honored and appreciative that the Red Cross would single him out as someone who was a great advocate for the Red Cross and the great work that they do, said Bob Haggard. We feel its very fitting that this blood drive be done in his memory in that he was someone who wanted to help in any way that he could. If he were here today, he would be at this blood drive. Due to a drop in blood donations over the holidays, the current supply of type O negative and type B negative blood has declined at the American Red Cross. Donations from donors with type O negative and B negative blood are especially needed now. Most healthy individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent) and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. Individuals 18 years of age or younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. The Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region serves nearly 60 hospitals and must have approximately 600 people donate blood or platelets each weekday to meet the needs of hospital patients. ###