The Red Cross Invites Donors to Continue the Tradition and Give Blood This Holiday Season

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (12/21/2007)(readMedia)-- --

WHAT: With the recent snow and cold experienced throughout the Northeast, the Red Cross urges blood donors to donate blood during this holiday season, as supplies of blood have begun falling this week. To date, the Red Cross is short 350 units, which translates to approximately more than 1,000 patients who may not be able to receive the lifesaving gift of blood. To help ensure that patients’needs do not go unmet during this festive time, local blood centers will be open on will open on Sunday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 26.

WHERE:

Sunday, Dec. 23 Red Cross Blood Donor Center, Crosstown, Rt. 7 & Watt St.,Schenectady, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 24 Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 33 Everett Rd., Albany, 7:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 26 Empire State Plaza, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, 9:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

WHY: During this season of giving, friends, families and businesses often develop caring traditions such as providing gifts for needy families or working at homeless shelters. As a way to participate in the “spirit of the season” the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York Penn Region invites current and new donors to start or continue the tradition and give blood with family, friends or co-workers this holiday season.

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:

  • All 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.
  • All presenting donors at all Red Cross Blood drives in December will be eligible to win a weekend getaway to a destination of their choice. To register, presenting donors are asked to visit www.pointsforpints.org. The drawing will take place throughout the Region on Thursday, Jan.10.
  • All presenting donors at blood drives from December 15 – December 31, will receive a free holiday tee-shirt.

    -30-