American Red Cross

PEORIA, Ill. (December 22, 2008) –To help boost the blood supply during the holidays, the Red Cross is hosting its 5th annual 12 Hours of Giving Holiday Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. All presenting donors will receive a free gift and will be eligible for hourly drawings for prizes from local retailers including airline tickets from AirTran Airways and more. Other special happenings at the drive include holiday entertainment, food from local vendors, babysitting and a visit from Santa.

The 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive is one of the largest blood drives held in the Heart of America Region which has collected an average of 300-400 pints of blood each year.

Many blood donors have reasons for giving: friends and family members have received blood, blood donation is a way to give back to the community, the feeling of making a difference in the lives of others. Whatever the reason is for giving, when donors give blood they play an extremely important role to help ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available during the winter months.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for 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. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.