Fill The Gas Tank And The Blood Bank

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (06/20/2008)(readMedia)-- The American Red Cross is offering blood and platelet donors who present to donate June 23 through July 6 at any Red Cross blood drive in Southern California a chance to enter their name into a daily drawing for a gas gift card valued at $100.

"Up to 40% of our blood comes from outside Southern California," explains Clifford Numark, director of donor recruitment for American Red Cross Blood Services, Souther California Region. "But, unfortunately, over the past few weeks, flooding cancelled many blood drives in the Midwest, loosing thousands of potential blood donations. And, summer is one of the worst times, when blood donations decline 10% - 15%."

To help avert an anticipated tight blood supply between now and the week following the July 4th holiday, the Red Cross would like to help you fill up your gas tank, when you help fill up the blood bank.

The Red Cross invites everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at any Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties to enter a daily drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card for gasoline. Entries will be accepted at all Red Cross blood drive locations and will be limited to these Southern California counties. The promotion runs from June 23 through July 6, and one winner will be drawn each day of the promotion. Winners of the free gas drawing will be announced by July 15th. Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

The American Red Cross appeals to Southern California residents to donate blood. Any healthy person age 17 or older (age 16 when accompanied by a parent) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate.

All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or by visiting Givelife.org. For Spanish, please call 1.866.POR VIDA (1.866.767.8432).

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