After 40 years of being “on the fence” about giving blood, Kevin Novobilski became a first-time donor this year as part of the St. Januarius Blood Drive in the Diocese of Allentown.
“I went to Mass that day and just decided on the spur of the moment to do it,” he said. “Giving blood is one of the best ways to help other people.”
The 63-year-old Allentown man is a parishioner of St. Thomas More, Allentown. He made his donation during a collection event organized by the Knights of Columbus and held at the parish in late September.
“From now on, I’m definitely giving blood on a regular basis,” he said. “It’s a life-saving thing to do. I felt like a million dollars walking out of there.”
There’s still time to give blood as part of the third annual drive, which started Sept. 19 and runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16. The Miller-Keystone Blood Center accepts donations at its centers across the Diocese.
Giving blood is an act of Christian charity and a powerful way for Catholics to put their faith into action by helping to save lives.
The drive is named for St. Januarius, who is venerated as the patron Saint of blood donation. Tradition holds that a relic of his blood, kept in Naples, Italy, miraculously liquefies on certain days each year, including his feast day (Sept. 19) and Dec. 16.
Donors during this year’s drive can receive a medallion, prayer card, or magnet blessed by Bishop Alfred Schlert.
How to Participate
Donations can be made at any Miller-Keystone donor center:
Bethlehem — 1465 Valley Center Parkway.
Allentown (Cedar Crest) — 1255 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 1300.
Allentown (Hamilton) — Five City Center, 740 Hamilton St., Suite 120.
Easton — 3765 Nicholas St., Suite B.
Reading — 2745A Leiscz’s Bridge Road (for GPS, use 1047 Old Bernville Road).
Pittston — 400 Route 315, Suite E.
Make your appointment at GIVEaPINT.org, by calling 800-B-A-DONOR (800-223-6667) ext. 2, or through the Miller-Keystone app, available from Google Play and the Apple App Store. Walk-in donors are welcome as time permits.
Photo by Paul Wirth.
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