Upstate Giving, Nov. 9

Listen to this article

Ronald McDonald House kicks off Lights of Love Campaign

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas launched its first Lights of Love giving campaign Nov. 1 in partnership with Brite Lite Décor, AVX, King Hickory, Lima One Capital, McDonalds’ and Grace Outdoor. Funds raised will help cover the stay of the family member of a critically ill or injured child at Greenville’s Ronald McDonald House while their child undergoes treatment.

Donors can make contributions online.

“Lights of Love is an amazing opportunity for our donors to rally behind us as it is a true symbol of hope they are providing our families,” Marti Spencer, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, said in a news release.

Blood Connection and Blood Assurance compete to aid veterans

Greenville’s Blood Connection and Tennessee’s Blood Assurance will go toe to toe this week to raise money and awareness for veterans, as well as a blood supply for those in need.

The two Southeastern blood centers will compete to raise the highest amount of donations during its “Give Because They Gave First” drive from Nov. 10-12 at any regional Blood Connection donation center, according to a news release. For every blood donation, The Blood Connection will donate $10 to the Blood Centers of America’s Special Forces Wounded Warrior Fund and gift a $10 Visa card to blood donors. The Special Forces Wounded Warrior Fund raises funding for U.S. Special Forces service members who are wounded, ill, injured or have fallen upon difficult times, according to the release.