Donating blood - it's as American as Apple Pie

On Wednesday, July 4, the American Red Cross Portland Donor Center on  3131 North Vancouver will host its Celebrate Freedom Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This drive is vital to help blood collections during the summer, a time when it becomes more difficult to schedule blood and platelet donors.  The recent heat wave and storms are making collecting blood and platelets even more difficult.  The Red Cross reports that blood collections have been significantly disrupted by the severe storms that have hit the Midwest and mid-Atlantic areas.

By attending this year’s  Celebrate Freedom 2012 Blood Drive, all presenting blood and platelet donors can help boost the blood supply and receive a t-shirt and free apple pie from Shari's Restaurants, (while supply lasts). The newly crowned Miss Oregon 2012, Rachel Berry, will be on-hand to greet donors and hand out apple pies. This is Ms. Berry's  first public appearance since her crowning on  June 30, 2012.  

Blood donations are critically needed, and people who can give are encouraged to do so now. aPower outages, fallen trees and other storm impacts mean that blood donors have been unable to get to donor centerss. Dozens of Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled, resulting in the shortfall of nearly 1,700 units of blood and platelets.

The Celebrate Freedom event is one of the most popular blood drives of the year and appointments are strongly advised. The Red Cross wants this event to be enjoyable for everyone and to provide you with excellent service. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS to reserve your appointment time or visit www.redcrossblood.org enter sponsor code: celebrateatpdx

By Daphne Mathew