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

May 1 blood drive         

[APRIL 29, 2006]  For Mother's Day you can experience the joy of giving the gift of life by being a blood donor. One blood donation can help save three lives. Blood transfusions are needed every day by a variety of people in local hospitals. Cancer patients, trauma victims, surgical patients and even mothers in maternity wards may need lifesaving transfusions. Citizens from throughout the area, including 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 save a life, please donate blood at the following blood drive:

• When: Monday, May 1, noon-6 p.m.

• Where: Logan County Paramedic Association building, 1300 N. Postville Drive in Lincoln

• Appointments: Please call Tara toll-free at 1 [phone], ext. 56, to schedule an appointment.

• Challenge: Lincoln High School is in the running for this year's High School Challenge, sponsored by the Springfield Clinic. Please come out and support your local high school.

Most people assume that hospitals will always have the blood they need for their patients. People need blood transfusions to stay alive, and it comes only from people who are able and willing to take the time to donate. It takes only an hour, but the benefits last a lifetime. Donating together with a friend or relative is a tremendous experience. Give what's in your heart and give the gift of life.

For more information about donating blood or sponsoring a blood drive, please call [phone] or toll-free 1 [phone]. For information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types and other information, please check www.cicbc.org.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center is a not-for-profit organization that supplies blood to 19 hospitals in central and southern Illinois.

[Central Illinois Community Blood Center news release]