Give the Best Gift of All This Season: Donate Blood

Give the Best Gift of All This Season: Donate Blood

News Release: December 11, 2008
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

Contribute to the holiday feeling you hold all season long by making a donation that doesn't pinch your pocket: Donate blood. By donating, you can help people - maybe even a family member - recover or even survive following an accident, illness or surgery. It's a warm-hearted way of extending tidings of joy and a happy New Year to those around us all.

Please consider donating at one of two Red Cross blood drives in Carbon County this month:

Monday, Dec. 22, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron Street, Lehighton;
Tuesday, Dec. 23, from noon - 5 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 455 Delaware Ave., Palmerton; and,
Monday, Dec. 29, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Split Rock Resort, Lake Drive, Lake Harmony.

Every week in December, Red Cross will give away a chance to win a $200 VISA gift card for a holiday shopping spree to all presenting donors.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is healthy may give blood or platelets. With the submission of a signed parental consent form, 16-year-olds who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health also can donate blood. Parental consent forms are available from nurse supervisors at Red Cross drives.

Can't make the scheduled blood collection dates in your area? Not a problem. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule a donation appointment at your convenience.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.