12/01/10 ‘Tis the season and everyone is searching for gift ideas that don’t break the bank. Despite the half-off or early bird sales, many people struggle to find the perfect gift.
“What if, for just one day, you forget the sales and choose to help save a life instead?” asks Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Donating blood or platelets can help save lives and only costs about an hour or two of your time.”
Red Cross officials say that if just 10 percent of Americans gave blood this holiday season, 34.2 million lives might be saved. That’s a deal everyone can appreciate.
Every day, regardless of the season, hospital patients need blood or platelets for the treatment of serious diseases like cancer, for lifesaving surgeries, or for emergency care related to accidents or trauma. In fact, one out of 10 patients entering the hospital needs blood.
“Your donation this holiday season is the perfect gift. It’s the gift that saves the day,” says Whitman. “Donate blood or platelets and give the gift of life. Your heart and countless hospital patients across the country thank you.”
More details on giving that perfect gift through the American Red Cross can be viewed at redcrossblood.org/theperfectgift.
Come to donate from December 6 through December 31 and be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Thursday, Dec. 2, from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Marshall County Sheriff’s Office/Jail, located at 1400 N. Pioneer Drive in Plymouth. This is a “Battle for Blood” blood drive.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, located at 803 W. Bike St. in Bremen.
- Thursday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, located at 901 E. Jefferson St. in Plymouth.
