Give the Gift of Life This Holiday -- Donate Blood
News Release: December 1, 2003
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley today (12/1) urged area residents to give blood to boost supplies over the upcoming holiday season.
As part of the Red Cross Holiday Card Campaign, holiday cards will be available at all blood drives which blood donors can send to someone special, dedicating the “Gift of Life” donation to that person. Donors can either mail the cards themselves, or Red Cross will mail them for the donors. This campaign runs through Saturday, Jan. 10.
American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region (NEPA), which furnishes blood products to hospitals in this area, reported the blood shortage plaguing the area since the summer months has not yet been corrected. “There is still only a little more than a day’s supply of blood on hand,” reported Donald R. Fipps, chief executive officer, NEPA. “Collecting enough blood during the holiday season is very difficult. We are asking everyone who is eligible to give blood when the bloodmobile visits their area.”
The bloodmobile will visit the following locations in Carbon County during December:
Friday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Split Rock Resort (Galleria Building), Lake Harmony;
Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Gnaden Huetten Conference Center, Sixth & Iron streets, Lehighton;
Thursday, Dec. 18, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, West 10th Street, Jim Thorpe; Homemade Christmas cookies will be served!
Friday, Dec. 19, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nesquehoning Recreational Center, W. Railroad Street, Nesquehoning; and
Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 455 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton.
Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 105 pounds, and is in good health may give blood. For more information, contact your local Chapter of the American Red Cross or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
