Hayes Presidential plans second annual blood drive to help community, Northwest Ohio

In early 2026, the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums had its first-ever blood drive to help the American Red Cross gather much-needed blood for medical patients throughout the region.

Forty-seven people gave blood last January at Hayes Presidential, and their life-saving gifts went to local hospitals and medical institutions to help patients who needed transfusions and platelets.

Building on that impact, Hayes Presidential is again partnering with the American Red Cross to offer a blood drive on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum auditorium.

“We are so lucky and excited to see familiar faces register for our second annual blood drive, and we hope to welcome in new friends to join our life-saving community initiative,” said Linda Lopez-Fouts, Hayes Presidential visitor services manager. “Together, we can make a difference in our families, friends and neighbors’ lives.”

Donors are asked to sign up in advance, if possible, by Lopez-Fouts at 419-332-2081, or [email protected], or Andy Rich, assistant visitor services manager, at 419-332-2081 or [email protected].

There is a great need for blood, and donors have an opportunity to make a difference by making a blood donation.

Hayes Presidential has another special connection to the Red Cross, which is one of the reasons it became a blood drive site. When the United States entered World War I, Mary Miller Hayes went to France with the American Red Cross and used her skills as a nurse to tend to the troops.

Hayes, wife of Hayes Presidential Library & Museums’ co-founder Webb C. Hayes, was a local philanthropist who helped to found what is today ProMedical Memorial Hospital in Fremont and established a nursing school there. Additionally, she helped to run the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, then known as the Hayes Memorial.

Information about Mary Miller Hayes will be on display during the blood drive.

Hayes Presidential is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue.

For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.