MT Pleasant Community Calendar

Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center invites the community to save lives at the upcoming blood drive.

‘Tis the season for giving life, giving back.

COMMERCE, Texas (December 7, 2018) – Less than four percent of eligible blood donors, are giving blood. Yet, many of the blood donors with Carter BloodCare make their next appointment before leaving their current donation. During a time of year when blood donation can take a ‘back seat’ to other holiday festivities, volunteer blood donors like those in Commerce make the season bright for hospital patients.

There is no substitute for blood. When a patient’s life is on the line, blood must be ready with only a moment’s notice. About 1,000 volunteer donors, giving blood every day, keep the community blood supply at a safe and sufficient level.

Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Commerce is hosting a blood drive from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday (Dec 11) at 2800 TX-24 in the community room. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Kim Saenz at (903) 408-4800.

When you give blood, you can save at least three lives because the blood is separated into several components. Some patients only need one product, like red cells or platelets; or, the patient requires a combination of them in different ratios. The blood helps to ensure chemotherapy patients receive platelets they lack; red cells are available for heart surgery patients; and when a lifesaving donor organ arrives, blood is accessible to surgeons for the operation.

Eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water one to two hours before giving blood. Standard eligibility requirements are a minimum weight of 110 pounds, the donor feels well that day and presents a government-issued photo ID at each donation. Potential blood donors may volunteer at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may donate independently, and there is no upper age limit for giving blood. For more information on donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 180 medical facilities in 50-plus counties of The North, Central, and East Texas. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is one of the largest blood programs in Texas, delivering more than 300,000 blood products annually to meet hospitals’ requirements for their patients. Services include the collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products. The program is accredited by the AABB, including a laboratory with accreditation for molecular testing of red cell antigens. It is licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is a member of America’s Blood Centers.

Experience a Pineywoods Christmas with family and friends at Daingerfield State Park. The park is hosting its Sixth Annual Christmas in the Park event Wednesday through Saturday (Dec 12-15). The park will be dressed in its holiday best. On Wednesday and Thursday (Dec 12-13), take a drive through the park after dark and see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorated campsites. On Friday and Saturday (Dec 14-15) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, see Santa Claus at the Historic 1930’s era Pavilion where he is taking last minute requests from the kids. A roaring fire in the fireplace and refreshments will set the tone for the magical evening. The ‘Little Pine Park Store’ will open for nature-themed, one of a kind, gift items Friday and Saturday nights.

All of the park’s entrance fees will be waived as our gift to you and your family! Arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights since this is a very popular event. You can contact the park at 903-645-2921 or visit our Facebook page from additional information.

Pittsburg-Camp County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 2018 Christmas Open House. It is Thursday (Dec 13) from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. It will be at the Holman House, 218 N. Texas Street in Pittsburg. (903-856-3442)

Experience a Pineywoods Christmas with family and friends at Daingerfield State Park. The park is hosting its Sixth Annual Christmas in the Park event Wednesday through Saturday (Dec 12-15). The park will be dressed in its holiday best. On Wednesday and Thursday (Dec 12-13), take a drive through the park after dark and see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorated campsites. On Friday and Saturday (Dec 14-15) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, see Santa Claus at the Historic 1930’s era Pavilion where he is taking last minute requests from the kids. A roaring fire in the fireplace and refreshments will set the tone for the magical evening. The ‘Little Pine Park Store’ will open for nature-themed, one of a kind, gift items Friday and Saturday nights.

All of the park’s entrance fees will be waived as our gift to you and your family! Arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights since this is a very popular event. You can contact the park at 903-645-2921 or visit our Facebook page from additional information.

Clarksville’s Red River Revue Center for the Arts is presenting its annual Christmas show. This year, they are presenting Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with a talented cast of children, teens and adults from Red River and Lamar Counties, including several PJC drama students. In the past, they have had three shows, on a Friday night and Saturday afternoon. This year, due to conflicts with other events in the area, there are only two performances.

The dates for our show are Thursday and Friday (Dec 13-14) at 7:00 pm. The location for the show is in St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 403 West Pierce Street, Clarksville, TX. These performances are free to the public, although donations and or sponsorship would be gladly accepted, and are tax-deductible. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Jodi O’Connell, of Clarksville, is the Publicity/Outreach Chair for the Red River Revue Center for the Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.