Warm Your Heart and the Hearts of Others: Donate Blood to the Red Cross

Warm Your Heart and the Hearts of Others: Donate Blood to the Red Cross

News Release: January 30, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

Want to feel a little bit of springtime in your heart … even if it's cold outside? You can. By donating blood at one of three Red Cross collection sites in Carbon County during the month of February.

"Winter car accidents and fires will again fuel the need for blood by hospitalized patients. By donating, you can help people -- maybe even a family member this winter -- recover or even survive," said Sharon Kendig, Carbon County branch manager for the local American Red Cross. "The need for blood is constant."

In February, all presenting donors will be eligible for weekly drawings for $250 to pay for home heating bills.

The following Red Cross blood drives will be held in February:

Monday, Feb. 2, from 1 - 6 p.m., at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center, 353 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning; refreshment sponsor is Mauch Chunk Trust Company;

Thursday, Feb. 19, from 1 - 6 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 455 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton; and,

Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 1 - 6 p.m., at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 397 Hemlock Drive, Lehighton.

To make an appointment to donate blood, call locally, 1-800-GiveLife, go to www.nepagivelife.org and click on Donate Blood, or call the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 377-2100.

Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Sixteen-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original parental consent form to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 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 24,000 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.