Fans of the Tusculum Pioneers and Carson-Newman Eagles may support their team while contributing to the East Tennessee MEDIC Regional Blood Center in the 16th annual “Battle of Mossy Creek” blood drive competition.
There will be several opportunities to donate.
On Thursday, Oct. 26, Tusculum students, faculty, staff and fans may donate on the Greeneville campus at the Niswonger Commons from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Blood donations may also be given during the week at the MEDIC Regional Blood Center at the Knoxville Regional Center (1601 Ailor Ave.) during the following hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Please let the screener know your donation should count towards Tusculum College.
The event is part of the festivities leading up to Saturday’s football game between the Pioneers and Eagles, which kicks off at 1 p.m. from Burke-Tarr Stadium in Jefferson City.
Tusculum has been the top donor in nine of the previous 14 drives, including seven of the last nine.
The winning school will be announced at halftime of the Tusculum/Carson-Newman football game at Pioneer Field. The Pioneers won the inaugural title in 2003 and again in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Carson-Newman has captured bragging rights five times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2015).
Donors should bring a valid driver’s license or other official photo ID in order to give blood. Medical prescreening and a free cholesterol test (no fasting necessary) will be provided at the sites. One donation a year exempts donors and their IRS dependents from paying blood supplier processing fees at any U.S. hospital.
Students who donate will receive a free copper tumbler complete with the Tusculum logo or a choice of a t-shirt, a coupon for a free Texas Roadhouse appetizer and a free ice cream from Dairy Queen. In addition, one lucky donor will win two tickets to the Country Cool Comedy Tour at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in January 2018.
In addition to the Mossy Creek Blood Drive, MEDIC Regional Blood Center is offering a $500 scholarship to any student who hosts a successful blood drive.
For more information, contact the MEDIC Regional Blood Center at (865) 524-3074 or at www.medicblood.org.
By Sydney McCallister, English and history major from Greeneville