Slain Capital Gazette Journalist Honored With Memorial Blood Drive In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Annapolis blood drive will honor a late Capital Gazette journalist this Saturday. The reporter, Wendi Winters, was one of five people killed in the 2018 shooting at the newspaper.

Winters, 65, was also a frequent volunteer for the American Red Cross. The humanitarian group remembers her as a proud Navy mom, a church youth adviser and a Girl Scout leader.

"Wendi invested her time helping those in need," the Red Cross said in a press release. "She educated the public on the critical need for blood and platelet transfusions for those undergoing cancer treatment, sickle cell treatment and other patient care. She also coordinated regular blood drives."

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The 8th Wendi Winters Memorial Blood Drive will be held in the Arundel Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at 173 Jennifer Road. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents can sign up to donate blood at this link. Interested volunteers can also register here.

Attendees must bring a blood donor card, a driver’s license or two other forms of identification. Donors must be:

• At least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent
• At least 110 pounds
• Generally healthy

Participants can save up to 15 minutes by completing their paperwork beforehand at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or on the Red Cross Blood Donor Application.

The Red Cross will email a $10 Amazon gift card to anybody who donates in February. Donors at Saturday's event will also get a free long-sleeve T-shirt while supplies last.

"The American Red Cross is currently experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade," Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said on Facebook. "Blood supply is dangerously low in Maryland, and we need your help."

Pittman will attend the drive and donate blood at 11:30 a.m.

"I urge you to consider joining me in donating blood or volunteering in honor of Wendi and to help save the lives of our neighbors," the county executive said.

Anybody who can't make it Saturday can find another upcoming drive by searching redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.

RELATED:

• Capital Gazette Gunman Criminally Responsible In 5 Killings: Jury
• Capital Gazette Shooter Gets 5 Life Sentences: Report

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