Contact: Laura Collinge Phone: (800) 228-1496 ext. 1308 Mobile: (704) 564-2938 collingel@usa.redcross.org   Carolinas Blood Services Region Headquarters 2425 Park Road, Post Office Box 36507 Charlotte, NC 28236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                DECEMBER 2, 2002    

RED CROSS AND CHRISTMAS CHEER OF BURKE COUNTY
TEAM UP FOR  BLOOD DRIVE-TOY DRIVE

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO “SAVE A CHRISTMAS AND SAVE A LIFE”

(Morganton, NC)--  During this season of giving, two Burke County charities, The American Red Cross and Christmas Cheer, are teaming up to “Save a Christmas and Save a Life” at their First Annual Blood Drive/Toy Drive. This day of giving will be held Saturday, December 7 at the Collett Street Recreation Center in Morganton from 11:00am-3:30pm, and everyone is invited to come out and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The Red Cross frequently experiences blood shortages during the holiday season, as people are busy with festivities and often do not make time to donate. 

“The need for blood never takes a holiday,” says Cindy Bellas of the Burke County chapter of the American Red Cross.  “We are excited about this special drive, and we hope that the public will help us meet our goal to collect 60 units of blood, which can go to save up to 180 people this holiday.  The greatest gift of all is the gift of life.”

While blood is being collected, Christmas Cheer of Burke County will simultaneously be collecting toys for needy children in Burke County.  Christmas Cheer is the areas oldest Christmas charity, distributing toys, certificates for holiday meals, and other necessities to needy families in Burke County.  Christmas Cheer president Faye Warlick would like to encourage people to bring a new or gently used toy to this special drive.

Blood donors will also be treated to pizza donated by Papa John’s, a plush blood drop beanie toy from the American Red Cross, a discount haircut coupon from Great Clips, and a slice of delicious holiday pie.  Bellas says it is one way to say “thank you” to people for taking an hour out of the busy holiday to save someone’s holiday and save someone’s life.

The American Red Cross would like for those who can make appointments to give blood to do so by calling 438-8844; they do stress that walk-ins are also welcome. 

The Burke County chapter of the American Red Cross is a United Way agency.

“Together, we can save a life.”