The American Red Cross, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region will hold special blood drives on Wednesday, January 9th, Thursday, January 10th and Friday, January 11th. The event, that will be supported by more than 25 local sponsors and is highlighting the “Giving is Living” campaign. The campaign highlights the fact that when you give one donation you can help to save someone’s life, one donation can help save the lives of up to three people. Everyday, people in area hospitals depend on receiving the “Gift of Life”. Blood donations are required to keep supplies adequate and to meet patients’ needs.

“This winter, the number of people giving blood has dropped,” said Tony Ferlenda, Chief Executive Officer, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, “but the number of patients needing blood has not. The need for blood is constant. We thank all of our sponsors for helping in this effort, and urge anyone who can to come to the ‘Giving is Living’ blood drives.”

The American Red Cross would like to thank the following sponsors for their help with the “ Giving is Living” blood drives: WBRE, the Times Leader, the Weekender, Pocono Media, Rotary International, JR 93.7, 97 BHT, Magic 93, Warm 590AM, 97.9X, Domino’s Pizza, The Radisson, Hazleton Best Western Genetti’s Motor Lodge , the Waterfront, Fairlane Village Mall, Jerusalem Church, Sherman Theatre, Split Rock Resort & Galleria, Lock Haven Moose, Wesley UMC, WPPA 1360 AM, T 102FM, Wilkes Barre Office Max, Lock Haven Express, the Pocono Record, Nassau Broadcasting, Jerusalem Lutheran Church and supported by the Standard Speaker.

All presenting donors will receive a free collectible tee shirt, and be eligible to win the grand prize of One Month Free Heating Bill (up to $500). As an additional thank you all presenting donors will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card from Office Max of Wilkes Barre.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is healthy may give blood. If you have given blood before, it must be at least 56 days since your last blood donation. For more information, or to schedule your donation time, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.nepagivelife.org.

List of upcoming drives:

January 9, 2008

Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM

The Waterfront, North River Street, Plains, PA from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Best Western Genetti Lodge, Route 309 Hazleton, PA from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Fairline Village Mall, Route 61, Pottsville, PA from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM

January 10, 2008

Sherman Theater, 524 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA from 12 noon to 6 PM

Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Company, 325 Warren Street, Nescopeck, PA from 1 PM to 6 PM

Lock Haven Moose Lodge, Clinton Avenue, Lock Haven from 1 PM to 6 PM

Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 West Third 6 , Bloomsburg, PA from 1 PM to 6 PM

January 11, 2008

Split Rock Resort, Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, PA from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM