American Red Cross announces “Thanks for Givin” Campaign to Increase Blood Donations

This holiday season, one celebrity is taking the time to thank blood donors and help in the lifesaving mission. Food Network’s Paula Deen joins the American Red Cross to say “thanks for givin.” All those coming to donate in November will receive a limited edition Paula Deen inspired apron, special recipes and a holiday message of thanks especially from Paula (while supplies last.) Locally, donations can be made on Thursday, November 20, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Lion’s Club Building located at 540 W. Adams Street in Woodbury.
With the holiday season comes fluctuations in our community’s blood supply so the Red Cross needs the help of the community to be sure that blood is available when it’s needed. Every day more than 38,000 people in this country must have blood to help treat everything from planned surgeries to car accidents. And, regardless of the time of year, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
In recent years, the holiday season has been particularly difficult on the local blood supply. For more information call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or log onto www.bloodisneeded.org.

If you are at least 17 years of age (16 in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, with completed Parental Consent Form), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in general good health, you may be eligible to donate blood. The Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring a photo ID. And, as Paula says, “thanks for givin, y’all.”