The community is invited to donate blood in honor of five-year-old Jentry Pace, who received lifesaving blood products after he was injured in a boating accident over Fourth of July weekend. Jentry underwent three surgeries to repair an open femur fracture, femoral artery transection, a fibula fracture and an Achilles injury. He received 24 units of whole blood, as well as plasma, platelets and other blood products to help him recover.

It has been more than two months since the accident and Jentry is doing better. He recently began kindergarten and is working in therapy to become stronger and learn how to use a walker. Now, John and Jana Pace are helping ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients like Jentry by hosting a Red Cross blood drive at the Phoenix Event Center in Newburgh on Sunday, September 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanks to community support, appointments for this blood drive are full.

We encourage people inspired by his courage to make an appointment to give blood on Thursday, September 24, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ascension St. Vincent located at 3700 Washington Avenue in Evansville or at date and time that works for them. To make an appointment for this drive, please visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code ASCENSIONSTV.

Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate a person’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to a loved one.

The American Red Cross and Hello Kitty^® and Friends are celebrating kindness this September. Just like our friend Hello Kitty, your blood donation helps remind others that kindness, comfort and care are always better when shared. 

Those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive a Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty for details. 

Seasonal activities can disrupt normal routines, but donation appointments can’t fall off the calendar. Harvest hope for patients in need with a blood donation. 

In thanks, all who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. 

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.