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National Donor Sabbath

Faith communities across the nation will come together the weekend of November 15-17, 2019 to share the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Named National Donor Sabbath, this weekend offers you the perfect opportunity to share with others how donation has touched your life and to encourage them to register and to tell their families about their decision.

All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation. Here are some reasons to share this life-saving message with your place of worship:

  • More than 115,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, including more than 3,400 in the Upper Midwest.
  • 23 men, women, and children die each day in the U.S. due to the organ shortage.
  • A single donor can save and heal the lives of up to 75 people.

IDEAS

There are many ways you can incorporate information about organ, eye and tissue donation within your congregation’s service.  Here are some ideas and available resources.

If you are not able to participate during the weekend of November 15-17, we encourage you to set aside an additional time for you to discuss organ, eye and tissue donation with your congregation. Free materials are available year-round and can be requested at any time.

  • Use flyers as bulletin inserts: Include LifeSource flyers in your church bulletin or include a supportive statement about donation in your printed bulletin.
  • Display Materials: Donation Display Board, show a message on your projection screen or include a donation message on your house of worship’s outdoor message board. You could also display posters about organ, eye and tissue donation on your bulletin boards.
  • Prayer: Include a prayer for all of the individuals currently waiting for a transplant and all of the donors who have so generously shared the gift of life with others. You could also devote a sermon or scripture reading to this current health issue and share your religion’s views concerning organ, eye and tissue donation with your members.
  • Testimony: Allow a 2-3 minute testimonial from someone whose life has been touched by organ, eye or tissue donation, either from your congregation or a LifeSource Donate Life Ambassador. Include the topic of organ, eye and tissue donation in adult or youth education classes, Sunday School classes or at your next blood drive or health fair.
  • Write An Article: Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about your support for donation. Include an article in the church newsletter about organ donation.
  • Distribute Materials: Make informational brochures available and/or distribute green wristbands to congregation members.
  • Organize an activity: Ring the bell at your house of worship 22 times in honor of those who die each day in the U.S. while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Organize a prayer breakfast to educate congregants about donation.

ORDER RESOURCES

If you would like to share the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation with your congregation, the following resources are available free of charge. Please email or call Teresa Turner with your material request and mailing address no later than Monday, November 4th.