This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Neighbors helping neighbors

I donate blood at the White Plains hospital every 8 weeks.  Jodi Creed, who runs the White Plains Hospital Blood Donor Center, is an amazing person and has become a good friend.  She is always using her extensive database to connect people to promote volunteerism and education.   When she sent me an urgent note on the Tuesday before Christmas, asking for help, I knew she needed the Team of Keller Williams Angels (my co-workers) to go into action. 

Jodi helps run the Annual Family Health Center Holiday party for children and their families that have been patients over the past year. Due to a glitch there wouldn't be enough toys for the 600+ children who would be showing up that Saturday for the party. 

Her email said, "Our children's party is this Saturday and we won't be able to give a small toy to the children who attend.  This party is for children in the Westchester community who are in need. Many of these families have difficulty getting gifts for their children during Christmas.  I know this is last minute, is there anyway your organization can host a toy drive this week?"

Find out what's happening in White Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I immediately sent out an email to the KW NY Realty family and my angels went to work.  We collected toys and money at an office meeting with other agents from NY, CT & NJ.  We held a raffle and we even had donations coming in from outside the office, including an agent's child that wanted to help collect toys.  It was amazing to see how many people came together to support this cause. 

We delivered the toys and Jodi was ecstatic.  When I asked her later how the event turned out, she told me that every child was able to go home with a beautifully wrapped age-appropriate gift.  Jodi said that this was "her Christmas miracle."  And she sent us hugs over the phone. 

Find out what's happening in White Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the spirit of the new year, we want to pass on the Blood Center's contact information.  The greatest gift you can give is donating blood during the holiday season.  Blood is always in demand but especially for the cancer patients in White Plains hospital.  Jodi says, "Every pint saves 3 lives."  It only takes 5-10 minutes of your time.  Call the Center at 681-1056 to donate.  You'll be helping save a life.  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?