THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AND DAPHNE'S GREEK CAFE MAKE DONATING IN JANUARY EXTRA REWARDING

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (12/21/2007)(readMedia)-- Southern California’s blood supply is low as a result of diminished blood donations during the holidays. To increase blood donations, the Los Angeles Clippers and Daphne’s Greek Café are offering special appreciation gifts to everyone who donates blood or platelets at any Red Cross blood drive in Southern California during the month of January. In addition, the American Red Cross is offering donors a chance to win a vacation valued at $1,000 to one of five top getaway destinations. Eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.GiveLife.org to make a blood-donation appointment. Walk-in donors are also eligible.

Red Cross inventory levels dipped to as low as a one-hour supply of Type O-negative and a half-day supply of Type O-positive blood during the holidays. There was less than a one-day supply of Type B-negative blood and just over a one-day supply of Type A-negative. These levels are critically low and will only be sustainable with continued donor response. A five to seven-day supply is generally considered adequate.

To encourage people to give blood in the coming weeks, everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at a Southern California Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura Counties during the month of January will receive a coupon good for a free Gyros Pita Jr. Sandwich from Daphne’s Greek Café and a voucher good for two free tickets to a Los Angeles Clippers game (maximum two tickets per donor). Clipper tickets, valued at a minimum of $25 per ticket, are for select games in February and are subject to availability. There will be a $5 processing and handling fee per ticket. Donors may purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate, when they redeem their voucher.

In addition, all blood drive participants are invited to fill out an entry form for a chance to win a vacation to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Mammoth Mountain, a Baja Cruise or the Grand Canyon. The winner will choose one destination; all trips include overnight accommodations for two adults. Package details vary by location and travel dates; reservations must be confirmed 180 days from date of issue and travel must be completed 365 days from date of issue. All vacations are subject to availability and certain restrictions apply. Maximum prize value is limited to $1,000. If the winner is 17 years old, he or she must be accompanied by an adult age 21 years or older. Drawing entries will be accepted at all Red Cross blood drive locations in Southern California, and will be limited to these counties. The winner will be announced by February 15, 2008.

Giveaway and drawing prizes are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash. American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

Any healthy person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. 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 www.GiveLife.org. For Spanish, please call 1.866-POR.VIDA (1.866.767.8432.

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