Put a Spring in Your Step: Donate Blood to the Red Cross

Put a Spring in Your Step: Donate Blood to the Red Cross

News Release: March 16, 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

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and spring is in the air. With the weather warming up, you can warm your heart as well by donating blood at one of four Red Cross collection sites in Carbon County during the months of March and April.

"Every two seconds someone needs blood. If enough people give blood regularly, there will always be an adequate supply for the sick or injured," said Sharon Kendig, Carbon County branch manager for the local American Red Cross. "If not enough blood is given, there will be shortages, and people who need blood may have to go without it, which could result in needless illness and death. By donating your blood, you can help people."

In celebration of March is Red Cross Month, all donors in March will have a chance to win a commemorative gift that includes a Red Cross tote bag, emergency radio, first aid kit, fleece blanket and more.

The following Red Cross blood drives will be held in March and April:

Monday, March 30, from 1 - 6 p.m., at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center, 353 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning; refreshment sponsor is Mauch Chunk Trust Company;

Wednesday, April 8, from 1 - 6 p.m., at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, West 10th Street, Jim Thorpe; refreshment sponsor is Jim Thorpe Market;

Thursday, April 16, from 1 - 6 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall, 455 Delaware Ave., Palmerton; and,

Tuesday, April 23, from 1 - 6 p.m., at Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron and Second Streets, Lehighton; in memory of Red Cross volunteer Alma Zern.

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.