American Red Cross Hosts “Community that Cares” Blood Drive

Residents Urged to Give Blood to Show They Care by Boosting Regional Blood Supplies

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (12/18/2007)(readMedia)-- The American Red Cross Blood Services Division, New York-Penn Region will host a special “Community That Cares” blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Ramada Inn, 2310 North Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. “A Community That Cares” blood drive is a Red Cross initiative, which provides the opportunity for various community groups to come together for a common, larger blood drive. The blood drive is co-sponsored by the Cayuga Radio Group, the Ramada Inn, and the Ithaca Journal.

During this season of giving, friends, families and businesses often develop caring traditions such as providing gifts for needy families or working at homeless shelters. As a way to participate in the “spirit of the season” the Region invites current and new donors to start or continue the tradition and give blood with family, friends or co-workers this holiday season. All current presenting eligible donors who recruit a new blood donor during December will be eligible to enter a random drawing to win a $250 gift card of the donor’s choice. Presenting donors are also eligible to participate in a random drawing for a $1,000 travel voucher for weekend getaway. The drawing for the entire New York – Penn Region will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10. To register, presenting donors are asked to visit www.pointsforpints.org. As a special thank you, a limited edition of the “Community That Cares” tee-shirt also will be given to all presenting donors at the drive.

All current eligible and new donors are strongly urged to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.DonateBloodNow.org to schedule an appointment. Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. In New York State, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original signed New York State informed Parental Consent for a 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16.

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