Blood drives, 'Date With a Book'

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[April 14, 2014]  Spring into action for patients in need... Red Cross blood drive April 16

PEORIA — With the arrival of spring come sunnier days, warmer temperatures and a chance at a fresh start. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make blood donation part of their spring ritual and help support patients like 5-year-old Nathan Pennington.

Last year in April, Nathan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Nathan has received several blood product transfusions to help sustain his life following surgery to remove the tumor, and he currently receives periodic platelet transfusions as he continues his recovery.

"Nathan wouldn't be here without lifesaving blood donors — it's as simple as that," said Corey Pennington, Nathan's father. "Our family will always be grateful to all the blood donors who make sure patients like Nathan have the blood they need."

Make a difference this spring by rolling up a sleeve for patients in need. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunity in Logan County:

• April 16, noon-5 p.m., at Lincoln SportsCenter, 1400 Primm Road

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Facts and figures

• The Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood each day to serve patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers.

• Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days.

• Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. relies on the generosity of blood donors.

• The No. 1 reason people give blood is because they "want to help others."

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Go on a blind date with a book at the Lincoln Public Library

The Lincoln Public Library District's "Blind Date With a Book Contest" runs throughout the month of April.

1. Read the clues on the specially wrapped books in the Annex and choose the book that interests you.

2. Check out the book at the circulation desk.

3. Tear off a piece of the wrapper and enter your name in the drawing for the Prairie Years gift certificate.

4. Unwrap the book at home and enjoy!

The drawing will take place on May 1. The only books eligible to read for the contest are those specially wrapped with clues on the outside.

For more information, visit the library or call 732-8878.

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Lincoln College to host Red Cross blood drive April 15

PEORIA — Potentially lifesaving blood donations can only come from generous volunteers. This April, during National Volunteer Month, the American Red Cross invites eligible donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and help meet the constant need for donated blood.

Approximately 5,600 times a day someone receives blood donated through the Red Cross. While all types are needed, donors with type O-positive or negative, B-negative, and A-negative are especially encouraged to give.

Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunity in Logan County:

• April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Lincoln College, 300 Keokuk

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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