Hospital to light 40-foot tree; blood drive also scheduled

The Madera Tribune Madera Community Hospital will host at a community Christmas tree lighting of a 40-foot redwood at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27.

No reservations are required.

People are invited to bring family and friends for caroling, hot beverages and holiday treats.

The lighting ceremony, on Giving Tuesday, will follow by one day a community blood drive set for Monday, Nov. 26, at the hospital, 1250 E. Almond Ave.

That event will be the Evening Lions Club’s inaugural blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m.

Each month, Madera Community Hospital provides an average of 100 pints of blood for patients needing transfusions. The Madera Evening Lion’s Club responded to the need to replenish what our community uses by promoting and coordinating a blood drive on the eve of Giving Tuesday.

“Don’t be a chicken — give blood,” said Lion’s Club member and blood drive coordinator, Bill Dawson. “Anyone who donates blood, at the Nov. 26 event, will receive a gift certificate for a chicken dinner from one of our supporting restaurants. If the incentive to save a life by giving blood isn’t enough, we hope our community will be motivated to spend time donating in exchange for a meal.”

Chicken dinner certificates have been donated from Country Waffles, Dicicco’s Italian Restaurant, Fastway Chicken, Round Table Pizza and The Vineyard Restaurant.

“The timing is perfect. The Lion’s Club blood drive will be held the day before Giving Tuesday,” said Sherrie Bakke, community relations manager for Madera Community Hospital.

Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season. “The blood drive is a wonderful way to begin the season of giving. We will celebrate the gift of life on Giving Tuesday during our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,” Bakke added.