Felton Community Hall Fundraising, By Steve Goodman • American Red Cross Blood Drives

COMMUNITY NEWS Felton Community Hall Fundraising

By Steve Goodman

The Felton Community Hall has been an integral part of the San Lorenzo Valley since the original building was completed in 1927, funded by the community and spearheaded by Dr. Jesse Farmer, who happened to single-handedly save the San Lorenzo Valley from the ravages of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic.

The hall has provided a community meeting place for performances, events and classes as well as a place to celebrate so many of life’s milestones such as weddings, memorials, scout ceremonies and so much more. FCH is also a central gathering place during community emergencies.

After the original building burnt to the ground in 1990, local citizens began a fund-raising drive to rebuild the Community Hall. The new Felton Community Hall, completed in 1996, stands on the original historic site, a testament to the extraordinary achievement of ordinary people with a shared vision and a willingness to work together.

Now it is time once again for community members to come together to keep this important location operating for future generations. Due to the Covid Pandemic restrictions, FCH has lost its event and class rental income. It also depleted its reserve fund a couple of years ago to pay for a complete roof replacement.

“Felton Community Hall” page 25

American Red Cross Blood Drives

The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people to Give Blood to Give Time and help loved ones have support during cancer treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, many procedures were forced to delay or cancel early in the pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. With procedures resuming, blood donations are critical for cancer treatments.

Unfortunately, the Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors give as the nation begins to climb out of this pandemic. This downturn comes as the Red Cross sees strong demand for blood products — including platelets — by hospitals, causing concern for the sufficiency of the blood supply throughout the summer.

Platelets, the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment, must be transfused within five days of donation and, therefore, are always in great demand. Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the need for blood products. About six blood products are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only 3% of people in the U.S. give blood.

“Blood Drives” page 25

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