American Red Cross

PEORIA, Ill. (Nov. 29, 2007) – According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend approximately $923 during holiday shopping this year. While preparing for the holidays can be quite costly, there is one gift you can give that won’t cost you a penny – the gift of blood donation. It takes approximately one hour of your time and can mean the difference between life and death for patients.

In order to make giving the gift of life fun and festive this holiday season, the American Red Cross is hosting its 4th annual 12 Hours of Giving Holiday Blood Drive on Thursday, December 20 from
 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Par-a-dice Hotel in East Peoria. Special happenings at the drive include hourly drawings throughout the day for great prizes, holiday entertainment, special food, babysitting service with children’s activities, a visit from Santa and more!

Giving blood is one of the most selfless acts an individual can do. The hour it takes to give the gift of life could mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical need. Cancer patients, accident victims, people undergoing major surgery and people with some chronic illness all need blood.

This holiday season give the gift of blood donation. An entire community of people – family and friends – will be grateful for your gift. Make an appointment to donate blood and make a difference. Call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE to schedule an appointment to donate at the 12 Hours of Giving Holiday Blood Drive.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800. 448.3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be at least 16 years old with a signed consent form in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

About the Red Cross
The Mid-America Division of the American Red Cross Blood Services supplies blood products to nearly 250 hospitals in 10 states and across the nation. The Red Cross relies on the generosity of more than 370,000 volunteer blood donors, nearly 8,300 blood drive coordinators and more than 2,100 employees to collect the blood that helps save thousands of lives each year. The Mid-America Division is one of nine Red Cross Blood Services Divisions located throughout the United States. Together, these divisions collect nearly half the nation’s blood supply.