Help Patients in Need: Give the Gift of Life This Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekends are always packed full of fun activities. But as individuals and families kick-off their summer plans, it’s important to remember that the need for blood does not take a summer holiday.

To help ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need this Memorial Day, the American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible blood donors to make donating blood and platelets a part of their summer holiday plans. The Red Cross invites all eligible blood donors to attend the annual Memorial Day blood drive, Tuesday, May 29, 12-7 p.m., Crowne Plaza, 830 Phillips Ln., Louisville.

All presenting donors will be treated to t-shirts, Stoker’s broaster chicken and Graeter’s ice cream Pint for a Pint. In addition, five presenting donors from May 24 through May 30 within the River Valley Blood Services Region will win a GiftCertificates.com prize package worth $200 redeemable for items of their choosing.

Winning donors can choose from restaurants, department stores, books, music, electronics and more!
“With the arrival of summer, blood donations tend to decline as eligible donors fill their schedules with vacations and other summer activities, leaving little time to donate,” said Linda Voss, CEO of the River Valley Region. “The need for blood is constant. As donors choose how to spend their time this Memorial Day, we encourage them to make time to help give life by donating blood or platelets with the Red Cross.”

As part of the Red Cross’ “Live Life. Give Life.” summer-long promotion, all presenting donors will also be entered to receive a prize certificate package worth $5,000 redeemable at GiftCertificates.com. One lucky donor will be able to live a little, using the prize certificate to choose from hundreds of available prize options.

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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