Calling all blood donors - By Michelle Libby

Charlie Tufts remembers a time when he was in the Navy in Vietnam when there were emergencies and blood was needed to save a life. Now as a successful real estate agent in Windham, Tufts has taken it upon himself to organize quarterly blood drives as a member of the American Legion Post 148. 

“I’ve been involved for my entire adult life,” he said. “The American Legion does this to give back to the community.” The blood drive will be on April 27, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center behind the Windham Mall. 

Tufts has enlisted help from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Windham Veterans Association to help with sign ins and refreshments. He said, the Red Cross does the bulk of the work, from upfront advertising, robo calling donors in the area and “they come in with their magnificent team to set up the venue.”

“It’s a public service,” he said. Tufts admits that the hardest part is coordinating dates between the Veteran center and the Red Cross. 

“We haven’t had a really stellar turn out. I’d really love to double the 25 pints we usually have,” Tufts said. 

The blood drive is on Wednesday, April 27, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Watch for the Red Cross blood drive signs.