By Paige Nash

The Michael Ryder Memorial blood drive will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 12:30 p.m. at the Backwoods Venue in Brewton’s Mill, La. Michael was a 2009 graduate of Saline High School and a volunteer firefighter. He lost his life on February 16, 2015, after a work truck that he was riding in was struck by a train in Desoto Parish.  

His mother Lori Williams has been hosting an annual blood drive in memory of her son, who was a faithful donor, since 2019. This year will be their fifth year hosting the memorial blood drive and it has turned into a full-on event filled with food, games, bounce houses and door prizes. 

Williams is asking for attendees to sign up for the blood drive by March 9. Early entries will not only allow LifeShare to be better prepared with staff and supplies, but will also provide an opportunity to win a $100 prize. 

“If I get at least 33 to sign up and successfully donate at our event, one of them will get $100,” said Williams. “33 is the goal for appointments because Michael should be turning 33 this month, but we absolutely hope to blast right through that and even break our record number of 48.”

The current link is only allowing for two appointments in each time slot at this time, but Lifeshare should be updating that to four appointments per time slot. They will accept walk-ins at the event, but if attendees would like to have an opportunity to win the incentive prize, please sign up by March 9.

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