Desert Messenger

4 www.DesertMessenger.com April 18, 2018 Miss La Paz 2018 crowned, wins over $5,000 in scholarships "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow." ~ Helen Keller raise support for incredible Special Olympics athletes. The Torch Run is much more than just a run; it is a year-round cam- paign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Arizona. QPD's motto, "Our Community, Our Commitment" has driven the department to be actively involved in more community events of great importance such as the Law Enforce- ment Special Olympics Torch Run. QPD asks the community, as a whole, to participate or contribute and also to be aware of our special needs children locally who partici- pate in this program. QPD is raising money in several ways to help con- tribute to this special and important program year-round. In the past the department and sponsors have con- tributed a minimal amount. This year is more special than the last, as QPD has the patch on the shirt. The de- partment and community efforts has placed QPD in the Top Fundraising Per Capita Contributors for 2017! 100% of all money raised for the Law Enforcement Torch Run goes directly to support Special Olym- pics athletes in Arizona and their supporting programs. 95% of all money that is given to Special Olympics Arizona goes directly to support Special Olympics programs and athletes. On Wednesday, May 2nd, QPD is seeking participants for the torch run. We will meet at the Quartzsite Fire Dept (70 E. Tyson) parking lot at 6:45am to sign waivers. Par- ticipants can walk, run or cycle the route. The portion of the run with the Torch will begin at the Fire Dept. at approximately 7:00 am heading south on Central Blvd. continuing east on Main St. ending approxi- mately 9:00am at the Chevron Gas Station (41 N. Riggles Rd.) The par- ticipants will be escorted by Police vehicles during the run. Arrange- ment will be made for all partici- pants to return to their vehicles. For those interested, VFW Post 769 will sponsor a participant breakfast. For more information contact the QPD at 928-927-4646. Blood Drive Monday, May 14 GFWC Quartzsite Woman's Club is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Monday May 14th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Community Center. Schedule your appointment to give blood at www.unitedbloodservices.org and pick your site as Quartzsite or call 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376). Please bring your photo ID and donor card. Free cholesterol testing with every donation. Find the Hero in You and schedule your appointment. Reminder of a change - if you had a tattoo done in a parlor in AZ you only need to wait until the tattoo heals to be able to donate you can donate. One unit of blood that is donated, can provide for 3 blood transfusions, so, in essence, you are helping 3 patients with your one unit (approximately 1 pint) of blood. It is estimated that 80% of the US population will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. The blood you donate at your blood drive is tested, processed and delivered back into our local community hospitals to provide for surgery and chemotherapy patients, people who have blood disorders, newborn babies, expectant mothers and - of course - traumatic situations, such as accidents, shootings, etc. Several factors affect our community blood bank's supply of blood for hospital patients: 1. Donors have moved away or are traveling or working and are unavailable to donate in their communities 2. Many donors are deferred due to low iron, dehydration, high or low blood pressure, medications, elevated pulse rate, blood disorders (ane- mia), or have traveled to restricted areas outside of the United States 3. Apathy - "some one else will donate, so I don't need to" 4. People assume that they are not eligible to donate due to age or health issues. For instance, diabetes does not always defer an individual from donating. Donor requirements: 1. Donors must be at least 17 years of age - ??? (no age limit) and in good health. 2. YOU MUST BRING A PICTURE ID WITH FIRST AND LAST NAME TO THE BLOOD DRIVE 3. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds (height and weight restrictions pertain to donors between the age of 17-22. 4. Tattoos done outside of a parlor in AZ must be at least one year old 5. Donors must wait 56 days after their last donation before they are eli- gible to donate for a single donation 6. Donors, who gave a double, must wait 112 days after their last donation before they are eligible to donate 7. Expectant mothers cannot donate 8. Donors must be in good health i.e., no cold, fl u or fl u like symptoms 9. Surgery patients are also temporarily deferred from donating (Call (1-877- 827-4376 for specifi c information on the wait time between donations.) TORCH RUN FROM PAGE 1 Parker, AZ – Desaray Brault was crowned Miss La Paz 2018 during the Miss La Paz Pageant at the La Paz County Fair in Parker last month. During the ceremony, hosted by reigning Miss Arizona MaddieRose Holler, Brault received a scholarship from Arizona West- ern College for one year of tuition valued at $1,000 as well as a $4,500 scholarship raised by the community. The Miss La Paz pageant is part of the Miss America Or- ganization, which has been recognized as one of the largest scholarship providers for young women. Brault will go on to compete in the Miss Arizona competition in June. As a Miss Arizona contestant, she has an opportunity to earn additional scholarship funds. Miss Arizona MaddieRose Holler with Miss La Paz Desaray Brault

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