The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the University’s fifth “Super Blood Drive” this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases.

The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25 in the Gentile Hall Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by the University, UMPI’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Pizza Hut, and cosponsored by Pat’s Pizza, Big Cheese Pizza, Country Farm’s Market, and Wal-Mart.

Each year, the UMPI Residence Life Office helps the Red Cross coordinate three blood drives on campus, one in the summer, one in the fall and one in the spring. Since 1987, 4,051 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood increases during the summer months. The reasons are two-fold: People are more active during the summer and thus are more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.

At the June 25 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors can:

• Receive a Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza Coupon (up to 3 toppings when you purchase any other item)
• Enter a drawing to win an Old Town Canoe Kayak Package
• Enter a drawing to win an L.L. Bean Acadia Cruiser Bike
• Enter a drawing to win a pair of Red Sox Tickets
• Enter a drawing to win a whitewater rafting trip from North Country Rivers
• Receive a new American Red Cross T-shirt, and
• Receive a coupon for a FREE day pass to any Maine State Park.

Everyone is encouraged to help save lives at one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Aroostook County. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or log onto www.newenglandblood.org and type 04769 in the zip code field to make your life-saving appointment today. The goal of the Super Blood Drive is to collect at least 300 pints of life-saving blood.

If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 9-11:30 a.m. – Set up tables and chairs prior to the blood drive; 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Escorting donors to the canteen and working the canteen; 5:30-8 p.m. – Taking down tables and chairs.

For more information about this event, call 768-9585.