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 third “Super Blood Drive” this summer, the time of year when the need for blood increases. Right now, type O negative blood is especially needed in the New England region.
The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29 in Wieden Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by the University, UMPI’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Mojo’s, and Trinity Blue Mason’s Lodge #130. The event will feature prizes, food and snacks for all donors.
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, 3,150 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 29 Super Blood Drive, all presenting donors can enter to win Red Sox tickets. The “Blood Donor of the Game” winner will receive two tickets to a Red Sox game, recognition on the field, and a commemorative souvenir. All presenting donors also can enter to win a bike valued at more than $400 from Mojo’s. All participants will also receive discount coupons to Mojo’s and a Boston Red Sox T-shirt.
The UMPI Bookstore also is teaming up with the Red Cross to encourage high school age donors to participate in this year’s drive. High school donors that donate and recruit other donors from their school will have the chance to win UMPI Bookstore gift certificates. Three levels of prizes will be awarded to local high schools with the highest participation rates (based on school enrollment). One student from each of the three highest-participating schools will receive a gift certificate. First prize is $300, second prize is $200, and third prize is $100.
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 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. Officials will be bringing double donor chairs to this event.
If you are not interested in donating, but would like to help out, be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Escorting donors to the canteen and working the canteen; and 5:30-8 p.m. – Taking down tables and chairs.
For more information about this event, call 768-9585.
