Blood donors will get gift during holiday campaign
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on December 15, 2005 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is thanking its blood donors this holiday season in a special way.
Donors who give the gift of life this holiday season will receive a special gift in return.
The Red Cross is sponsoring a "12 Days of Giving" campaign Dec. 19 through 30 to encourage blood and platelet donations. During this period, all donors will receive a free holiday T-Shirt and an Adam's Auto coupon for a free car wash.
In addition, there will be special give-aways each day. For the Dec. 22 blood drive, donors at both the chapter house and the library will be able to register to win one of four $50 Best Buy gift cards. They will have the opportunity to register to win one of two $100 Target gift cards at the Dec. 28 blood drive. And Dec. 30, every donor will receive a four-piece box of Russell Stover candy.
During the 12 Days of Giving, all donors will have the chance to register for a seven-day Caribbean cruise.
"The holidays are so challenging for blood collections, said Samia Garner, blood services director. "So in order to entice donors and say thank you for making the extra effort, we have something special for them."
Mrs. Garner said blood collections are typically down during the holiday season. "The schools are closed, donors are traveling and the focus is on the holidays and not on taking time out to donate blood. And we're trying to get folks to remember that it takes just an hour to donate a pint of blood. Just an hour gives the gift of life.
"Think about that tiny child with leukemia that needs blood, the grandmother who might not see Christmas if she doesn't get blood for her cancer treatment," she said. "It's such a kind thing to do to give back in such a huge way."