American Red Cross

Celebrate holiday with blood donation and free pie 

OMAHA, Neb. (December 19, 2008) – As the days get shorter and the to-do lists get longer, the American Red Cross asks eligible individuals to add one more item to that list: donate blood. In the spirit of the season, the Red Cross and three metro Village Inn locations are thanking blood donors by offering all presenting donors a complimentary pie voucher at participating drives on December 24.

Holiday Blood Donation Opportunities
Wednesday, December 24, 7 a.m. to Noon
Three metro Village Inn locations:
• 10770 M St., Omaha
• 2935 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs
• 8304 S. 72nd St., Papillion

“We are delighted to be partnering with Village Inn to provide lifesaving blood components for patients in need,” said Tricia Rubens, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “Everyone loves Village Inn pies, especially during the holiday. Donate blood – receive a pie, what a sweet way of giving back this holiday season.”

With the holidays, travel plans and inclement weather in some parts of the country, your local Red Cross experiences as much as 5 percent drop in blood donations during the holiday season. It is important that eligible individuals take the time to make an appointment to donate blood now.

To learn more and make a blood donation appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org. 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.

Recipients of blood products are not able to take a holiday from needing lifesaving blood. They are in constant need of a healthy blood supply. Please make the time to give blood this holiday season and change a life, starting with your own.

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.
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