Wichita, Kan – Aug. 31, 2010 – Labor Day is often referred to as “summer’s last hurrah,” a final goodbye to road trips and fun in the sun. That’s why the American Red Cross is inviting you to celebrate summer’s end by getting revved up to donate blood.

Here are SIX great reasons to donate blood this holiday weekend:

1. $1,000 GAS CARD: All presenting blood donors at Red Cross blood drives or donor centers Thursday, Sept. 2 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6 are automatically entered to win a $1,000 gas card! One winner will be selected by random drawing.

2. NASCAR TICKETS: Anyone who presents to give blood at the Wichita Donor Center or Northwest Donor Center from Sept. 2 to Sept. 6 and fills out an entry slip will have a chance to win four tickets to an entire weekend of premier NASCAR races at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. on Oct. 2-3, 2010.

3. $100 GAS CARDS: Anyone who presents to give blood at a Red Cross blood drive or donor center Aug. 1 to Sept. 15 is automatically entered to win a $100 gasoline card. One lucky winner from Central Plains will be drawn each day.

4. CAMO HATS: Everyone who presents to donate blood at any blood drive or donor center in September will receive a Red Cross Racing camouflage hat. Just in time for hunting season.

5. A NEW FORD FIESTA: Thanks to a generous donation by the Ford Motor Company, the American Red Cross andRed Cross Racing are giving away a 2011 Ford Fiestato one lucky winner. It’s our way of saying thank you to our committed blood donors. Register online at redcrossracing.comfor a chance to win.  Visit the website for official rules. The sweepstakes ends Nov. 1, 2010.

6. SAVE A LIFE: Did you know one donation may help save up to three lives? Please consider scheduling a blood donation appointment with the Red Cross this Labor Day Weekend.

SPECIAL HOURS IN WICHTA: The Wichita Blood Donation Center and the Northwest Blood Donation Center will be open special hours over the Labor Day Weekend:

Wichita Blood Donation Center – 707 N. Main

Thursday, Sept. 2 – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 3 – 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 5 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 6 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Northwest Blood Donation Center – 8414 W. 13^th St. North (13^th & Tyler by the Dollar Tree)

Saturday, Sept. 4 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 5 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 6 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For your convenience, you may now schedule blood donation appointments online at www.redcrossblood.org.  You may also call 268-0835 or 1-800-RED CROSS. 

How to Donate Blood: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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