How You Can Help Hurricane Sandy Victims by Donating Blood in Marion

Hurricane Sandy is responsible for killing more than 100 people, leaving 7.5 million without power and zillions of dollars of damage to New York City and much of the eastern seaboard.

The storm canceled the plans of millions, many of whom are starting to return to their homes. But the storm also canceled approximately 300 blood drives from the American Red Cross, — totaling 9,000 individual donations of blood and platelets.

Now the Red Cross is urging those not affected by the storm to donate blood for victims in the east, to make up for the shortfall.

“When you donate blood or platelets through the Red Cross, you can help patients in your local community and patients across the country," Greg Novinska, CEO of the Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services, said in a news release. "Including those in Hurricane Sandy’s path.”

If you feel inclined to help, you can check out the donation center nearest to Marion: 6300 Rockwell Dr. NE in Cedar Rapids. 

But if you're squeamish with needles, or have a tendency to faint when you see a slim metal injector puncture your skin, you can lend your wallet to the cause.

Cash donations to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army can be made at their websites.