Make Mother's Day special -- give the gift of life

Blood drive in Lincoln set for Monday

[May 03, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Blood transfusions are needed every day by a variety of people to stay alive, and it comes only from people who are able and willing to take the time to donate. Cancer patients, trauma victims, surgical patients and even mothers in maternity wards may need lifesaving transfusions. Citizens from throughout the area, as well as members of all churches, are asked to help their local hospitals, and area moms who may be in the hospitals, by donating blood.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for area hospitals, Immanuel Lutheran Church is sponsoring a blood drive on Monday at the Lincoln Masonic Center, 2022 N. Kickapoo in Lincoln. The hours of the blood drive are noon-6 p.m. For your convenience, call Tara toll-free to sign up 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 Central Illinois Community Blood Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood to 19 area hospitals. Blood collected at this drive is intended for local hospitals.

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.

Most people assume that hospitals will always have the blood they need for their patients, but blood has a shelf life of only 42 days. Fortunately it is a renewable resource, but it depends on people who care. Donating blood takes only an hour, but the benefits last a lifetime. The time in the blood donation chair is only about five to 10 minutes. If you are healthy, please do your part by donating blood.

The CICBC donor room, located at 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, check at www.cicbc.org. Please give what's in your heart and donate blood.

[Text copied from file received from Central Illinois Community Blood Center]