Annual Conference and virtual blood drives: Putting faith into action

From the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ newsletter “Bridges”

Annual Conference blood drive

The 2025 Annual Conference Blood Drive will be held in the Sheraton Greensboro (N.C.) Heritage Room on Thursday, July 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday, July 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., in partnership with the American Red Cross.

Secure the blood donation appointment that is best for you by signing up for the day and time of your choice at www.brethren.org/ac2025/BloodDrive.

You may also sign up during the Conference. Look for the “BDM Blood Drive” table in the registration area or see Brenda or Ed Palsgrove.

To volunteer to help with registration or at the snack/recovery area, contact Sharon Franzén (sfranzen@brethren.org) before the Conference or Brenda or Ed Palsgrove during the Conference.

Virtual blood drive

If you are not attending Annual Conference, you can still be a part of the blood donation efforts by joining the virtual blood drive and donating locally between June 1 and July 31. It’s easy, just follow the steps below. For more information or questions, contact Brethren Disaster Ministries at 800-451-4407 or bdm@brethren.org.

— Pledge to participate through our online campaign by following www.brethren.org/virtualblooddrive2025 or by contacting Brethren Disaster Ministries. Pledging is not required but it does help us know about and follow up on your desire to donate.

— Find a local blood drive at www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive or through your local blood services agency. Make an appointment between June 1 and July 31. Or take it a step further and organize a blood drive at your church!

— Remember to give blood and use the online portal or email/call Brethren Disaster Ministries to tell us that you followed through with your pledge. We won’t know if you don’t tell us!

— Get a photo of yourself donating blood, if you can, and send it to us. We can share it to celebrate AND to encourage others to donate.