Honor Mom By Donating
Blood This Mother's Day
News Release: May 3, 2010
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 American Red Cross invites eligible blood donors to give blood in honor or in memory of their mother in the days leading up to Mother's Day this year.

"Blood donors of all types are needed at this time," said Sharon Kendig, Carbon County branch manager for the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. "With Mother's Day fast approaching, there is no better way to show your love and appreciation than by giving blood in her honor for a patient in need."

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Wednesday, May 5, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, 101 East 10th Street, Jim Thorpe. The refreshment sponsor is Jim Thorpe Market.

To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. In Pennsylvania, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring a signed parental consent form to the blood drive. Parental consent forms can be obtained from local high schools prior to the blood drives or directly from nursing supervisors at Red Cross drives. High school students and donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

To make an appointment, or for more information, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-432-8045 or visit online at redcrossblood.org.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 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.