American Red Cross

Give blood in honor of a loved one this Memorial Day Weekend and receive a free pie

OMAHA, Neb. (May 20, 2008)– In the spirit of the Memorial Day weekend, the American Red Cross is offering its blood donors the chance to donate blood in honor of a loved one. To show gratitude for their gift of life all presenting donors at three Omaha metro Baker’s Supermarkets will receive a free cherry pie from Baker’s.

The blood drive will also feature eight-year-old Chef Max who will be making his iron rich ‘Super Hero Salad’ for blood donors to help boost iron levels in hemoglobin before donation. Demand for blood is constant and the long holiday weekend poses a special challenge for community blood banks. Also, with schools getting out of session, blood donation among youth plummets during the summer months.

“In order to prepare for the potential loss of donors due to holiday weekend travel and other family vacations, the Red Cross needs all eligible donors to give blood,” said Dr. Ram Reddy, Interim CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “The support of the community is vital to our cause of saving lives.”
 
On any given day, more than 38,000 blood donations are needed for patients throughout the United States. Celebrate summer and give the gift of life. When you give blood, you can help save lives. The hour it takes to give could mean a lifetime to somebody else. When you give blood to the Red Cross, you could change a life, starting with your own.

MEMORIAL DAY BLOOD DRIVES
Sunday, May 25th
Baker’s Supermarkets
3614 Twin Creek in Bellevue
13250 West Maple and 17370 Lakeside Hills Plaza in Omaha
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 years old with a signed parent/guardian consent form in Nebraska and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

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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