Red Cross seeks donors after storm

Hurricane Sandy has forced the cancellation of more than 300 American Red Cross blood drives in 14 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 9,000 blood and platelet donations.

All eligible donors in unaffected parts of the country are encouraged to give blood or platelets. When you donate through the Red Cross, you can help patients in your community and those across the country, including those in the broad path of the superstorm.

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply is available during a disaster, especially type O positive, O negative, A negative or B negative blood.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. Local blood drives are listed in the Daybook on page A2 of the Inter Lake.

Nearly 11,000 people spent Monday night in 258 Red Cross shelters in 16 states.  

To donate to the relief operation, visit www.redcross.org/mt/billings or call 1-800-ARC-MONT (272-6668). Contributions also may be sent to American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.

Veteran Red Cross volunteers John and Margie Donoghue of Lake Blaine have been called up to help out with relief efforts following the superstorm.

The Donoghues, who have been involved in several Red Cross disaster responses, were to leave the Flathead Valley on Wednesday.