TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Junior League of Tuscaloosa will observe Find the Good Day, an initiative of the Association of Junior Leagues International, by hosting a community blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross and the City of Northport. The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Northport Civic Center inside City Hall.

Find the Good Day unites more than 290 Junior Leagues across the world in acts of kindness and service to strengthen local communities. This year, JLT is focusing on blood donation, a critical need across Alabama and the nation.

Urgent Need for Donors

• Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• Only 3% of eligible Americans donate each year, though nearly 62% are eligible.
• In Alabama, hospitals have recently reported supplies dropping below a two-day reserve, delaying patient care.

“Find the Good Day is about turning compassion into action,” said Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, President of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. “Blood donation is one of the most immediate, impactful ways our community can save lives. By rolling up your sleeve, you are finding the good for someone in need right here in West Alabama.”

A Timely Connection: Sickle Cell Awareness Month

The September event also coincides with Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 Americans, including an estimated 5,000 Alabamians, many of whom rely on frequent blood transfusions. The disease disproportionately affects Black Americans, yet Black donors represent a small fraction of the nation’s blood supply.

For Junior League of Tuscaloosa member Jori Smith, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at just two weeks old, blood donation is more than a statistic — it’s life-saving. At age 13, she experienced a severe pain crisis and acute chest syndrome that required her first blood transfusion.

“The blood transfusion was the key element to turning my prognosis around for the better. I could almost instantly feel the improvement afterward,” Smith recalled.

Now the co-founder of the Sick of It Foundation, Smith advocates tirelessly for those living with sickle cell disease.

“I want people to understand how strong sickle cell warriors are,” she said. “We face so many obstacles in life, yet the strength we possess to persevere is something special.”

How to Participate

Community members are encouraged to sign up in advance online or walk in the day of the event. Donors are also invited to share their experience of finding the good on social media using #FindTheGoodDay and #JLTuscaloosa.