The American Red Cross Invites You To See How Good It Feels To Give

• by American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region

To increase blood and platelet donations and help persistently low blood supply levels, the American Red Cross is offering blood and platelet donors a chance to win an American Express gift card valued at $500 when they donate blood or blood products at any Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego or Ventura Counties during the month of November. Eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit GiveLife.org to make a blood-donation appointment. Walk-in donors are also eligible.

"During the entire month of November, blood donors can help save lives and have a chance to receive a gift from us," states Clifford Numark, director of donor recruitment for American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region. "For the convenience of our donors, the Red Cross has multiple donor centers and blood drives located throughout Southern California. Or, better yet, when an individual or a business, community or religious organization hosts a blood drive, we will come to you."

To encourage people to give blood in the coming weeks, everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at a Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties during the month of November will be invited to fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $500 American Express gift card. Entries will be accepted at all Red Cross blood drive locations and will be limited to these Southern California counties. The promotion runs from November 1 though November 30; the winner of the drawing will be announced by December 15, 2008. Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

"The Red Cross is offering you a chance to win a $500 shopping spree gift from us, when you give the gift of life to another," continues Numark.

The American Red Cross urgently 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 blood. A photo I.D. is required for all donations.

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. To organize a blood drive, call 1.800.491.2113. For Spanish, please call 1.866-POR.VIDA (1.866.767.8432) or visit cruzrojaamericana.org.

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