Donating blood can be rewarding

AUSTINTOWN — The American Red Cross and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery are cooperating in an effort to give a gift of blood to patients in need through a blood drive to be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4500 Norquest Blvd.

Donors will receive a coupon for a free apple double crust pie from any participating Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. They will also be entered in a drawing to win one of 15 prize packs from Giant Eagle Entertainment inside Giant Eagle. Each prize pack will contain a $100 Southwest Airline gift card and a DVD.

Residents are reminded that it takes only about an hour to give the priceless gift of blood, and that every two seconds someone in this country needs a blood transfusion. By donating, one person could help save as many as three lives.

Those making a donation are to take an American Red Cross donor card, a driver’s license, or two forms of identification. For more information call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.redcrossdonor.org.