The March Madness blood drive sponsored and staffed by Honda North last month brought in enough donations to treat up to 400 recipients. The one-day event at the North Shore Donor Center of the American Red Cross brought in 99 units of blood. That's more than 50 percent above the donations received on a typical collection day, according to the Donor Center, located in Danvers.
Donors also made 20 blood platelet contributions through the center's apheresis unit. A single apheresis donation can provide as many platelets as five whole-blood donations.
To encourage community participation, Honda North and other area sponsors provided prizes and food. Donors could spin a wheel of fortune for a 1-in-4 chance at a basketball free throw for prizes, including an express oil change, vehicle detailing, or a Dunkin' Donuts gift card. The dealership also handed out gift bags containing water bottles, sports towels and a coupon for a free car wash. Local restaurants Vinny T's and Bugaboo Creek, along with the discount retailer Costco, provided lunch.
"We hope other potential sponsors will look at this experience and realize how easily they can help their community and keep the blood supply intact throughout the year," said Pam Leach, manager of donor services of the New England Red Cross.
Located in Danvers, Honda North is part of the International Cars family of dealerships. The company also operates Dover Auto World in Dover, N.H., selling Chevrolet and Honda vehicles; Saturn of Manchester, N.H.; Saturn of Nashua, N.H.; and Porsche of Stratham and Audi Stratham, both in Stratham, N.H.
Gas prices surge
After a 13 cent increase last week, the average price of gasoline in the United States now stands above $3.50 per gallon, according to the auto club AAA. The Massachusetts state average approached that mark last week, after the average price of self-service unleaded regular jumped by 20 cents per gallon, AAA reported. Last week was the fourth consecutive week in which local pump prices climbed.
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts average reached $3.446 per gallon for self-service regular, compared to $3.244 reported by AAA seven days earlier. Wednesday's average was nearly 67 cents above the state's price of $2.775 recorded on the same day last year, according to AAA.
In New Hampshire, motorists paid an average price of $3.414 on Wednesday, up 18 cents from the Granite State average of $3.233 one week earlier. On the same date in 2007, the New Hampshire average of $2.752 was 66 cents lower than Wednesday's figure.
The coast-to-coast average reached $3.533 on Wednesday, after increasing a little more than 13 cents during the prior seven days. One week earlier, on Wednesday, April 16, the overall U.S. average was $3.399, reported AAA. Last week's national average was close to 68 cents above its level on the same day last year, when the U.S. figure was $2.856 per gallon.
