Tyler Junior College is hosting its seventh annual “50 Gallon Challenge” blood drive March 19-23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at various locations on the TJC main campus.
All donors will receive a free t-shirt and will be entered to win prizes each day. Donors on specific days will also get a special free item.
A special kick-off event will be held at noon on March 19, at Rogers Student Center on the main campus with free pizza and drinks, games and live entertainment by the band "Polaroid Summer."
“Tyler is a very giving community and we rely on their support to help us reach this big goal,” said TJC’s Director of Student Life Lauren Tyler. “Each year we’ve held the blood drive, we’ve had great support from our students, faculty and staff and the great people of Tyler.
“Our students work hard throughout the week at various points on campus to help make it easy and convenient for people to donate. We encourage the public to come by to help with this life-saving effort.”
TJC teamed with Carter BloodCare for the 50 Gallon Challenge six years ago, when students realized there was a need to help replenish the community blood supply during the spring break period.
Jacque Decker, Carter BloodCare manager of operations and field recruitment, said, “We see a drop in donations at this time each year, and TJC’s 50 Gallon Challenge was created to help combat that problem.
“Our partnership with TJC and its students every March is vital to the East Texas blood supply. Collecting 50 gallons of blood could potentially save up to 1200 lives here in East Texas.”
Dates, giveaways and locations include:
Monday, March 19, “Movie Monday”
Donors receive a free movie ticket.
Donations can be made at Rogers Student Center Apache Rooms on Lake St. or mobile location at Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center at the corner of Fifth St. and Fleishel Ave.
Tuesday, March 20, “Toss Up Tuesday”
Donors can play “cornhole” for double entries and a chance to choose between two prizes.
Rogers Student Center Apache Rooms or mobile location at Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center.
Wednesday, March 21, “Winner Wednesday”
Every donor is a winner today!
Rogers Student Center Apache Rooms or mobile location at Intramural Field on Palmer Ave.
Thursday, March 22, “Thirsty Thursday”
Donors receive a free Starbucks gift card.
Rogers Student Center Apache Rooms or mobile location at Intramural Field on Palmer Ave.
Friday, March 23, “Frozen Friday”
Donors receive a free frozen treat and a scratch-off for a chance to win additional prizes.
Rogers Student Center Apache Rooms
Donations can also be made at Carter BloodCare Donor Center, 815 S. Baxter Ave. in Tyler. www.carterbloodcare.org.
Special designated parking places will be reserved for the public who plan to donate. For more information, please contact TJC’s Center for Student Life and Involvement office at 903-510-2797.