Red Cross Asks Blood Donors to“Give a Little of Their Selves” this Summer

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (05/23/2008)(readMedia)-- OPPORTUNITY FOR COVERAGE

WHAT:

American Red Cross blood drives will be held on the holiday to help strengthen the Region’s blood supply. As summer begins to unfold with the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the Red Cross urges eligible and new donors to “Give a Little of Their Selves this Summer” and donate blood. Donors are needed because blood donations take a dramatic decline in summer months – as much as 10-15 percent! The temporary loss of school blood drives coupled with summer vacation schedules can create a tenuous environment for the blood supply.

WHERE: Monday, May 26, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

BDC Henrietta, 825 John St., W. Henrietta

BDC Rochester, 50 Prince St., Rochester

BDC Perinton, Perinton Hills Shopping, Center, Rte. 31 & 250, Fairport

WHY:

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of planned summer activities. It is also the start of when blood donations typically begin to decline. To help ensure that adequate supplies of blood are available now and throughout the summer, the Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors of all types to set aside time from their busy schedules and make a special effort to donate blood in memory of loved one this holiday weekend.

As a thank you to donors, tee-shirts will be given to all presenting donors from Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26. In addition, all presenting donors at all blood drives through May 31 are eligible to enter a random drawing to win a free gas grill.

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