Red Cross Urges Blood Donors to Celebrate the New Year with the Gift of Life

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (12/28/2007)(readMedia)-- WHAT:

Local American Red Cross blood donation centers will open on over the New Year’s weekend and holiday to help strengthen the blood supply.

WHERE:

Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo Red Cross Blood Donor Center Eastern Hills, 4350 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville

Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 576 Dick Rd., Suite 1, Cheektowaga Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 5161 Camp Rd., Hamburg

Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo Red Cross Blood Donor Center Eastern Hills, 4350 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 5161 Camp Rd., Hamburg Red Cross Blood Donor Center at DeGraff Memorial, 445 Tremont St., North Tonawanda

WHY:

As the countdown begins to the end of 2007 and people look forward to ringing in the New Year, the Red Cross is asking blood donors to give blood this week to help strengthen regional blood supplies. All presenting donors at these drives will receive a special holiday t-shirt in appreciation for them giving the gift of life.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE(1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org.

As a thank you to donors, the Red Cross is offering the following promotions:

oAll 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.

oAll presenting donors at all Red Cross Blood drives in December will be eligible to win a weekend getaway. To register, presenting donors are asked to visit www.pointsforpints.org. The drawing will take place throughout the Region on Thursday, Jan.10.

oAll presenting donors at blood drives from December 15 – December 31, will receive a free holiday tee-shirt.

-30-