There is a critical shortage of blood donations in Michigan. While this time of year, donations are typically low due to the holidays and flu season, hospitals are feeling the shortage as some have reported having just a day’s worth of blood on hand. The Red Cross and other agencies that supply blood and platelets to the medical community have put out a plea for help, and designated January as Blood Donor Month.

Eligible donors are encouraged to try to make blood donations a habit to help save lives. Currently, O and O+ blood types are in the highest demand, as those types have universal applications. The Red Cross is also offering an added incentive to donors this month. Donors are automatically entered into a drawing for a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami. There are blood drives planned at McLaren Port Huron, the St. Clair County Administration Building, and other locations over the next month. You can make your appointment at redcrossblood.org.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Kristi White has been named the Employee of the Month for December. White has worked at McLaren Port Huron for eight years and is currently a clinical IT analyst.

 White was nominated by her peers because she is a perfect example of an exemplary employee and coworker who should be acknowledged for her outstanding performance, superior dedication and positive attitude. White motivates her coworkers to go above and beyond to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. She is an inspiring person, coming to work with a smile on her face and the persistence and willingness to get the job done every day. Her coworkers say White motivates them to do more and go farther to be an outstanding employee, and they are grateful to have her on their team.

 This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

In a partnership with 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans System Navigator from Community Mental Health, the Blue Water Center for Independent Living, and Buddy-to-Buddy, veterans have an opportunity to connect with other veterans and give them a voice in St. Clair County. Military Meet and Greets are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Center in Port Huron. 

Nancy Deising, Outreach Coordinator for the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs, said, the gathering gives veterans a chance to connect with local resources while providing a forum to express their needs and concerns to local officials. Deising also said the group is an opportunity for veterans “to share stories and gain comradery with other veterans in the area.”

 The meetings have a light meal and an educational or informational component as well as feedback sessions. Donations from the community are welcome to cover refreshments and space rental for the group. Veterans can get more information from the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Representatives from Google will be providing a business education program exclusive to nonprofit organizations through the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Committee this Thursday.

This Google business training will cover G Suites and Google Ad Grants, whose mission is to grow charitable giving and help nonprofits succeed by connecting people to causes: with up to $10,000 per month in free Google advertising, nonprofits can create meaningful ads to educate, attract donors and help people around the world. 

Karen Palka, Executive Director of A Beautiful Me, said the group is “honored to have Google create a specific training for local nonprofits” and believes that, “utilizing this opportunity to create greater exposure for our nonprofits is key to continuing the strength of the Blue Water Region.”

The cost to attend as a nonprofit organization member of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce is free. The cost for non-members who would like to attend is $100 per person and can be credited toward a Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce. Attendees should bring a laptop or tablet to participate and seating is limited. The event is anticipated to sell-out. Nonprofits are encouraged to sign up at BlueWaterChamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Back by “pawpular” demand is Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XVI on Sunday, February 2 and the Blue Water Area Humane Society has announced one local pup has made the final roster in the adorable competition taking place on football’s biggest day. 

Blue Water Area Humane Society’s puppy, alongside dozens of other puppies from animal shelters across the country, will enter the GEICO stadium vying for the CHEWY “Lombarky” Trophy.

The special pup, Logan, was one of six brothers that were seized from a puppy mill by St. Clair County animal control. When Logan and his brothers arrived at the shelter, the boys had next to no hair and were unbelievably itchy, but after lots of love and medical treatments, the dogs were in the clear. Logan went on to be adopted to a wonderful home with his brother.

Logan will compete with other dogs representing rescues and shelters from across the country, on #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff. Dogs will represent 61 animal shelters and rescue organizations from over 25 states and with 96 adoptable puppies.

Tune in to Animal Planet at 3 p.m. before the Superbowl to catch Logan represent St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.