LEXINGTON, Ky. — Central Kentucky residents can help two nonprofits for the price of one this holiday season, as Kentucky Blood Center and GreenHouse 17 are teaming up for the "Healing Together" initiative.

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Blood Center is partnering with domestic violence shelter GreenHouse 17 

  • Now through Dec. 14, blood donors can forgo a "thank-you" gift from KBC, and funds will be donated to GreenHouse 17 

  • GreenHouse 17 serves domestic violence survivors in 17 central Kentucky counties 

  • Eligible donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in overall good health.

Both organizations are encouraging people to double their charitable impact by giving blood to be used at Kentucky hospitals for lifesaving transfusions while aiding survivors of domestic violence. Now through Dec. 14, blood donors at KBC's Lexington and Frankfort locations can give blood and give back.

“It can be any of us at any given time, and it’s the same thing for domestic violence; it can be any of us at any given time in our family or friends' circle," said Darlene Thomas, GreenHouse 17 executive director. 

Anyone giving blood in the 17 counties GreenHouse 17 serves can pass on a "thank-you" T-shirt, and KBC will give the monetary value of each donor gift back to the domestic violence shelter.

“We both work really hard to provide the opportunity to save lives," Thomas said. "When situations become critical, we’re here." 

Darlene Thomas, GreenHouse 17 executive director, and some of her staff gave blood Monday at KBC's Beaumont location.

“When you’re reaching out to help another nonprofit for the fact that they’re bought-in and want to come out and donate, they’re spreading this word to their supporters so that we’re making sure to (engage) our supporters and theirs," said Mandy Brajuha, KBC vice president of external relations. 

Brajuha said blood supply is in critical need this time of year.

“We want to make sure there’s ample blood on the shelves if accidents happen over the holidays so the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break," Brajuha said.

Eligible donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in overall good health.

Anyone who can’t donate blood and wishes to help GreenHouse 17 is encouraged to donate money or new items to the shelter. There will also be several mobile blood drives in the 17 counties the nonprofit serves over the next two weeks. 

The three donor centers — two in Lexington and one in Frankfort — are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Beaumont and Andover locations in Lexington are open Saturdays as well, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show photo identification and meet additional requirements. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

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