KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Community Blood Center (CBC) is inviting the Kansas City community to donate blood at the 3rd Annual Leslie’s Legacy of Love Memorial Blood Drive and Health Fair, in coordination with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kansas City, MO Alumnae Chapter, Linwood YMCA, Healthcare USA, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Delta Chapter. The memorial blood drive will honor Leslie Rene McLendon who passed away in December 2012.
An active member of her community, McLendon coordinated and facilitated various urban outreach programs targeted towards at-risk youth, neighborhood empowerment, community revitalization, and health awareness to underserved populations.
Some of her many accomplishments were organizing neighborhood groups to stride for healthy hearts through the “Walkers on Watch” program, which encouraged both exercise and community safety, and assisting Terry Riley’s Annual 5th District Back to School Rally since its inception. Additionally, McLendon initiated and spearheaded community efforts to rebuild Southeast Community Center. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars and a member of the Southeast Bar and Restaurant Association.
As an outreach coordinator, McLendon recruited blood donors for people with sickle cell for CBC’s “Gift of Smiles Program,” and served as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen health foundation. She was instrumental in obtaining access to free mammograms and comprehensive breast health for those with low-income while on the Board of Directors for the Sickle Cell Disease Association’s Uriel Owens Kansas City Chapter. An Outreach Specialist for LeadBusters, she educated the community on lead poisoning and promoted lead prevention programs. As her last charitable act, McLendon was able to save and enhance the lives of three people through the gift of organ donation.
After McLendon’s unexpected death, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution to make every first weekend in April “Leslie’s Legacy of Love Weekend in Kansas City.
“Leslie’s legacy of educating the community on health awareness issues lives on through her family, friends and local organizations that have come together to help save lives. Blood donations help those in a time of need, when their lives truly depend on it,” said David Graham, Executive Director of the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City.
Leslie’s Legacy of Love Memorial Blood Drive and Health Fair
Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Linwood YMCA
3800 E. Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
In order to donate you must be at least 16 years of age (parental consent required for 16 year olds), weigh a minimum of 115 pounds and be in generally good health. In just 60 minutes, you can donate one pint of blood and Save a Life. Right Here, Right Now in your own community.
