Local charity blood drive boosts support for Vinton County patients

Vinton County Cancer Resources Group organized a community blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at McArthur United Methodist Church, running from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event was part of a broader push by the volunteer-led group to raise funds and community support for residents who must travel for cancer treatment.

The group’s mission centers on providing gas and food cards to patients and families facing travel-related expenses. That mission shapes a schedule of recurring and planned fundraising activities that keep donations flowing through small, local events. One steady source of revenue comes from Hamden Firefighters’ Bingo nights, held Thursdays at the Hamden Firefighters’ Community Building, with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. and the first game at 6:45 p.m. VCCRG also holds monthly meetings—on the second Monday at the McArthur Fire Department—to coordinate aid and plan outreach.

Looking ahead, the organization is already promoting a May fishing tournament as another fundraiser aimed at covering travel assistance and basic needs for residents undergoing treatment. These grassroots events are important in a county where long drives to larger medical centers can create financial strain for households. By directing small-dollar assistance to gas and food, VCCRG helps lower an often-overlooked component of treatment costs: transportation and day-to-day sustenance while away from home.

For the local economy, these volunteer-run fundraisers keep charitable dollars circulating within the county. Bingo nights and fundraisers draw regular participants, support local facilities such as the Hamden Firefighters’ Community Building, and provide modest but tangible relief to families facing treatment schedules. Monthly meetings offer a direct channel for residents to request help or to volunteer, tightening community ties and ensuring aid reaches those with immediate need.

The pattern is familiar in Vinton County: small groups, steady volunteer hours, and a calendar of events that together make a measurable difference for neighbors. The takeaway? If you or someone you know faces travel costs for cancer care, VCCRG events and meetings are a practical place to find or give help—drop by the second Monday meeting at McArthur Fire Department or attend a Thursday bingo night to support the cause.