National Donor Sabbath provides an opportunity to discuss the critical need for organ and tissue donors and encourage donor registration in your house of worship.

National Donor Sabbath is observed annually on Friday through Sunday two weekends before Thanksgiving. This 3-day observance seeks to include the days of worship for major religions practiced in the United States.

During National Donor Sabbath, faith leaders, donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals participate in services and programs to increase awareness of the need for the lifesaving and enhancing gifts passed to others through transplantation and encourage people to sign up in the New York State Donate Life Registry. Those who donate organs, tissues, and blood stem cells restore hope and share gifts beyond measure.

The participation of faith leaders is important.

People look to their faith leaders for guidance when making end-of-life decisions like organ and tissue donation.

Today, most faith communities are supportive of organ and tissue donation, and the individual choices of its members. Many view donation as an act of compassion and generosity. Since people often turn to their faith leaders for help when dealing with life and death issues, National Donor Sabbath provides an opportunity for faith communities to share their views and join in the conversation.

Faith leaders of all religious denominations can build awareness and help inspire more community members to register as organ and tissue donors by participating in National Donor Sabbath and holding informational events throughout the year.

Ways to Celebrate National Donor Sabbath

Faith communities and individuals wishing to plan National Donor Sabbath events may contact us for additional information and support. We can help you develop and implement strategies and identify speakers, such as a transplant recipient to share a personal story of getting a second chance at life. Here are some simple ways to celebrate National Donor Sabbath:

1. Inform your religious leader that National Donor Sabbath takes place November 13-15, 2020. Request that he or she devotes a sermon to organ donation and how religion encourages all of us to save lives. 
2. Collaborate with your Faith Based Leader to identify members of your congregation who have been personally impacted by donation or transplantation. You may also contact us to request a speaker from Donate Life New York State to present at your special event or service.
3. Include information in your bulletin, newsletter and on your house of worship’s website and social media channels.