CBCO issues
critical appeal
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood and plasma to patients at more than 40 area hospitals, is issuing a critical appeal for all blood types. Increased local usage and continued blood drive cancellations have combined to drop area reserves to less than one day levels for all blood types. Eligible donors are strongly urged to give immediately.
Most of the organization's mobile blood drives for the month of May have been canceled or postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic. More than 3,000 donations were lost last month due to similar circumstances. While a few mobile blood drives remain on the schedule, it remains vitally important to continue to see increased donation levels at CBCO's four donor centers.
"During the month of April, blood donors at our fixed site locations gave enough to get us through the first weeks of the covid-19 pandemic," CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. "But hospital usage was down significantly during that time, and now we are really challenged as hospitals increase their blood needs. We are still experiencing multiple cancellations of previously scheduled drives this month and a critical shortage is looming."
"We have always been transparent in sharing our needs with the region. Our message now is simple and important. Area patients need blood now. We must do our part to help our friends and neighbors. Please help if you can and please give to the sole local provider of blood in the region."
Appointments are strongly suggested so that social distancing guidelines can be maintained and for optimal donor flow. Donors may search for a drive coming to their area or make an appointment to give.
CBCO is actively seeking and scheduling emergency blood drives in areas not supported by a fixed site location. If you think you might have a suitable space to host a blood drive, either inside or on a CBCO bloodmobile, please contact the blood center.
Information: (417) 227-5000 or cbco.org.
Red Cross
seeks blood
In times of need, people come together to support one another. The American Red Cross is asking for healthy individuals to step up to help patients experiencing health crises by donating blood.
As covid-19 continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood donation. But blood is needed daily to help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Donating blood is an easy way to care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood products patients rely on.
As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, all who come to give blood or platelets through May 31 will receive a special Red Cross "We're all in this together" T-shirt, by mail, while supplies last. Donors must have a valid email address on file to claim their T-shirt.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions -- including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff -- have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
•Bentonville: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 26, Bentonville Plaza, 609 S.W. Eighth St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 28, Genpact, 2600 N.E. 11th St.; 1-6 p.m. May 28, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 1101 McCollum Road; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30, Bentonville Church of Christ, 904 N. Walton Blvd.
•Rogers: Noon-5 p.m. May 19, Walmart, 4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd.; 2-6 p.m. May 20, Sunnyside Baptist Church, 210 E. Locust St.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 26, Center for Nonprofits, 1200 W. Walnut St.
•Siloam Springs: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20, Simmons Prepared Foods, 601 N. Hico St.
•Fayetteville: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18-19, The Garden Room, 215 W. Dickson St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 27, Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson St.
•Springdale: 1-5 p.m. May 28, Crusader Fitness, 866 S. 48th St.
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
The Red Cross is also looking for blood drive hosts to help ensure a stable blood supply.
Information: (800) 733-2767, redcrossblood.org, redcrossblood.org/hostadrive
OLLI offers
new classes
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas announces the following classes for the upcoming week:
•May 19: "NWA Public Transportation-Transit Planning, Funding, & Implementation," members, $25, nonmembers, $40
•May 20: "SCAMS: How to Identify and Avoid," free to members and nonmembers
These classes are being offered through an online format.
Information: (479) 575-4545 or olli.uark.edu.
Small works
being sought
The Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, will accept artwork submissions for the 2021 Small Works on Paper touring exhibition from May 18 to July 24.
"Small Works on Paper is an opportunity for Arkansas artists to have their work seen and appreciated statewide," said Patrick Ralston, director of the Arkansas Arts Council. "Every year, the exhibit showcases the best art in Arkansas and is just one way the Arkansas Arts Council supports Arkansas artists."
Now in its 34th year, Small Works on Paper is a competitive, juried, visual art exhibition that showcases original artwork by Arkansas artists that is no larger than 18 inches by 24 inches. Each year, more than 300 artworks are submitted to the competition -- only up to 40 pieces are selected.
To participate, artists must be members of the Arkansas Artist Registry, which is an online gallery that features the work of Arkansas artists. Membership to the Arkansas Artist Registry is free and open to all artists ages 18 and up.
An out-of-state juror selects the artwork for Small Works on Paper, which will travel to up to nine venues statewide in 2021. The juror also selects recipients of purchase awards, which can total up to $2,000. Selected artwork will become part of the Arts Council's permanent collection.
Arkansas artists may enter up to three works of art on paper for a fee of $10 per entry or $25 for three entries. Works must be original, not a reproduction of any kind, and must have been completed within the past two years.
Artists whose work is selected for the 2021 exhibition will be notified in September. The exhibition will open in January 2021 at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.
Information: (501) 324-9767 or arkansasarts.org.
Speaker offers
plan for success
Brenda Mauldin, owner of Grant Writing & Development Consulting, will present "Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Leaders," an online workshop that will help leaders understand the value of workable, long-range plans, from 10 a.m. to noon May 21. The workshop includes tips and discussions on best practices that will be helpful in creating a strategic plan.
This free workshop is perfect for executive directors, board chairs and members, but everyone is welcome. Individuals, nonprofits, businesses or organizations interested in strategic planning will benefit.
The workshop will include information on what strategic planning is, what the benefits are, components for a plan and who should be involved in the process. Join Mauldin to learn how to conduct a successful planning session and create a written plan with accountability.
Mauldin has more than 25 years of fundraising experience in Central Arkansas. She has worked for a variety of organizations and has helped secure funding for the arts, youth, hospice programs and more. She has firsthand experience in nonprofit management, administration, strategic planning, volunteer management, board development and fundraising.
Mauldin, who currently lives in Benton, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Information: (501) 324-9775, ArkansasArts.org, or email janet.perkins@arkansas.gov.
Art Ventures
receives gift
Art Ventures, Northwest Arkansas' premier art gallery is the recipient of a $10,000 legacy gift from Linda C. Sheets, LTD.
Linda C. Sheets, LTD is an organization whose mission is to fulfill the wishes of scratch artist Linda Carole Sheets who passed away Dec. 3, 2018, after a battle with cancer. The Board of Linda C. Sheets comprises Brittany Phillips, Cindy Parry, and Liz Lester who said, "The board has identified [Art Ventures] as one whose values align with Linda's and we hope you can use the money to further your cause, support the arts and artists in our community and honor Linda Sheets and the vibrancy and love she poured into her work and her life."
Art Ventures Board President Sharon Killian says, "We receive this gift in tearful acknowledgement of Linda's loss to us, and with a commitment to continue our work to support, respect, engage, educate and promote the arts and artists in our community who, like Linda, create our sense of place. Linda has left behind a loving, powerful legacy not only as a master artist whose work resonates with collectors and viewers alike, but also as a proud feminist and lesbian who lived her truth fully."
Art Ventures continues its mission during the covid-19 pandemic to offer art for everyone through virtual exhibitions and is developing an online presence for virtual programming. These online exhibitions provide a virtual walk-through with artworks curated and displayed with the care and planning given to our physical exhibitions.
Information: artventures-nwa.org or email operations@artventuresnwa.org.
Hope Cancer
offers support
•Free Tobacco Cessation Program: Hope Cancer Resources' certified health education specialist is available to support members of the community who are looking to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapy and counseling.
•Emotional Support Through Cancer Battle: Faced with increased fears amid covid-19, cancer patients are not alone. Hope Cancer Resources' team of counselors and social workers are supporting cancer patients and their families every day with a focus on emotional health, no matter the circumstance.
•Virtual Wellness Classes For Cancer Patients and Caregivers: The Wellness Center for Hope at Hope Cancer Resources has created a yoga and fitness class schedule via Zoom.
Information: (479) 361-5847.
Single Parent
scholars sought
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas is now accepting applications for Traditional Scholarships for the Fall 2020 Semester.
The deadline to apply for the Traditional Fall 2020 Scholarship is June 15. A complete list of eligibility requirements and a list of all schools supported can be found on the website.
Students can use their scholarship awards to cover personal and educational expenses, allowing them to overcome barriers to pursuing their degree, without having to worry about day-to-day expenses. These scholarship disbursements allow students to focus on achieving success for themselves and their families.
Information: (479) 935-4888, spsfnwa.org, spsfnwa.org/scholarships or email katiemarie@spsfnwa.org.
Supply drive
helps women
As a result of the covid-19 pandemic, many local nonprofits have requested hygiene items for their clients in need.
Melody Taylor, of Beautiful Lives Boutique, a nonprofit women's thrift store located at 245 E. Township St. in Fayetteville, is hosting a supply drive to collect essential items for organizations that have seen increased need. Beautiful Lives' profits and services support organizations that serve vulnerable women and children in the community and around the world.
Madison Sutton of the Social Innovation Initiative at the University of Arkansas will manage collection, inventory and re-distribution of the goods to community partners.
Donors will be able to drop off their donations at the Fayetteville location of Beautiful Lives Boutique in a container labeled for the supply drive.
Needed items include personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies and paper goods.
Information: (479) 301-2256.
NAN Profiles on 05/17/2020