Blood Drive at Lincoln Masonic Center on Monday

[January 05, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Celebrate National Blood Donor Month in January with Central Illinois Community Blood Center by "giving the gift of life" and donating blood. Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for Central Illinois Community Blood Center to collect blood donations. A reduction in turnout at the blood drives can put the blood inventory at a critical low. Remember, it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for area hospitals, the Logan County Shrine Club will sponsor a blood drive on Monday at the Lincoln Masonic Center, 2022 N. Kickapoo in Lincoln. The hours of the blood drive are noon to 6 p.m. For your convenience, please call Tara Matheson to sign up toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 56, or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated

The 2007-2008 Springfield Clinic High School Blood Challenge started May 12, 2007, and ends May 11, 2008. Donate blood at this drive and ask that your donation be credited to Lincoln Community High School or a participating high school in your community. The high school that wins the challenge will receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Springfield Clinic to award to a graduating senior who plans on furthering his or her education.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood to 19 area hospitals. Blood collected at these drives is intended for local hospitals.

Also, the CICBC donor room, 1134 S. Seventh St. in Springfield, is open to collect blood on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about blood drives, blood facts and blood types please check at www.cicbc.org. Please give what's in your heart and donate blood.

[Text from news release received from Central Illinois Community Blood Center]