New specialty plate to benefit organ donation in North Carolina

McDowell News | Mike Conley

Seven years ago, a young man in Kannapolis was killed in an automobile accident. Even though his young life was tragically cut short, it allowed three other people, including a McDowell man, to have a new chance at life.

And now, a new specialty license plate in North Carolina will encourage others to do the same.

Recently, N.C. Rep. Mitch Gillespie announced the passage of a bill in the General Assembly in June that creates a specialty plate to help educate the public about organ donation. Gillespie, a Republican from McDowell, sponsored House Bill 289/S.L. 2011-392. This bill creates a specialty license plate that promotes organ donation in North Carolina. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Bev Perdue.

The proceeds from the sale of this special plate will be used benefit Donate Life North Carolina, a non-profit, collaborative group of organizations that promote eye, organ and tissue donation. “Working together, the member organizations are directly involved in supporting donor families and facilitating organ, eye and tissue transplants across the state,” reads Donate Life North Carolina’s website. “Our mission is to inspire all North Carolina residents to save and enhance lives by registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.”

Read more: http://www2.mcdowellnews.com/news/2011/sep/27/new-specialty-plate-benefit-organ-donation-north-c-ar-1437835/